Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has officially completed a high-profile loan transfer to Turkish football club Galatasaray. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, sees the striker joining the Turkish giants from SSC Napoli for the 2024-2025 season.
Accompanied by his agent Roberto Calenda, Osimhen signed the loan agreement, ending weeks of speculation about his next move. The transfer was facilitated by renowned agent George Gardi.
Despite earlier reports of tension between Osimhen and Calenda over failed transfer moves during the summer window, the two were seen together as the deal was sealed.
Osimhen’s childhood idol, former Chelsea and Galatasaray legend Didier Drogba, reportedly played a significant role in influencing his decision.
According to Italian sports outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Drogba told Osimhen, “If you get an offer from Galatasaray, don’t hesitate, just go.”
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has reported that there is no clause allowing Osimhen to leave Galatasaray during the January transfer window. The club also confirmed this in their official announcement.
In a statement shared on their social media platform, Galatasaray announced, “An agreement has been reached with professional football player Victor James Osimhen and his club SSC Napoli for the free temporary transfer of the player. Osimhen will receive a net wage of 6 million euros for the 2024-2025 season.”
The loan deal does not include an option or obligation to buy, meaning Osimhen will remain at Galatasaray for the entire season. Additionally, Napoli and Osimhen agreed on a reduced release clause of 75 million euros, potentially paving the way for a transfer in the summer of 2025.
Osimhen, a standout for the Nigerian national team and a top scorer for Napoli, is expected to play a key role in Galatasaray’s campaign this season, wearing jersey number 45.
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