New Delhi: Victor Osimhen, a striker who helped Napoli secure their third Serie A title, now finds himself on a surprising loan move to Galatasaray. Once seen as a player destined for Europe’s elite, his unexpected journey to Turkey raises questions about the fractured relationship between Osimhen and Napoli.
Osimhen’s impact at Napoli was remarkable. Scoring 31 goals and providing five assists in 39 matches, he became the driving force behind a team that had been starved of success for decades. His work ethic, dedication, and ability to motivate his teammates turned him into a fan favourite. Napoli, after 33 years, finally tasted glory, largely thanks to his brilliance.
But the relationship started to sour. Napoli’s 2023/24 season was a disaster. They delivered one of the worst title defences in Serie A history. The departures of key figures like sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and manager Luciano Spalletti added to the chaos. Rudi Garcia’s arrival did little to help. He struggled to replicate the winning formula, and Napoli’s once-fluid football became disjointed. Osimhen was left carrying the team, but even his efforts couldn’t stop the downward spiral.
The Nigerian striker kept scoring 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances through it all, but his injury history and Napoli’s €130 million (£110 million) release clause complicated things. The club hoped to profit from their star, but potential buyers hesitated. Offers from Saudi Arabia were rejected, and European clubs balked at his wage demands. Ultimately, Galatasaray offered a way out, but only on a season-long loan.
🚨🚨| OFFICIAL: Galatasaray have announced the signing of 25-year-old Victor Osimhen from Napoli… 🟡🔴🤝
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 4, 2024
Why Osimhen Failed to Secure a Permanent Transfer
The transfer market wasn’t kind to Osimhen. Napoli overvalued their star player, and his injury record scared off clubs. Despite his strong performances, he couldn’t convince teams to meet his wage demands. Napoli’s turmoil added to the problem. With constant changes in management and tactics, the club’s instability made it hard for Osimhen to secure a permanent move. Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia showed interest, but nothing materialised.
The move to Galatasaray, seen by many as a step-down, allows Osimhen to reunite with his idol Didier Drogba’s former club. More importantly, it offers him an escape clause. If one of the top 10 clubs on his list comes calling in January, he can leave. Napoli still holds some control, having lowered his release clause to €75 million (£63 million), but the once-promising partnership between Osimhen and the club has reached a disappointing end.
Osimhen’s brilliant spell at Napoli ended in disappointment as a chaotic season and inflated release clause pushed him towards a Turkish loan. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
