Victor Osimhen has finally concluded his lengthy transfer saga by joining Turkish side Galatasaray on a four-month loan from Napoli, becoming the sixth Nigerian to wear the Cimbom jersey, according to *PUNCH Sports Extra*.
Osimhen’s transfer was one of the most discussed during the summer window, especially after he requested to leave Napoli despite signing a new contract in December 2023.
The Super Eagles striker, well-known for his exceptional talent, joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and played a key role in guiding the club to their first league title in over 30 years, scoring 26 goals and winning the Serie A top scorer award.
His outstanding performance over the past three seasons has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, attracting interest from clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
While Chelsea was Osimhen’s preferred destination, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli also made a lucrative offer on the final day of the transfer window. Ultimately, the 25-year-old chose to move to Turkey, arriving on Monday night to a warm welcome from thousands of Galatasaray fans eager to see him in the club’s colours.
With his transfer now settled, at least until January, Osimhen hopes to quickly adapt to his new surroundings and replicate the form that helped Napoli secure the Italian championship during the 2022/23 season.
Osimhen is expected to make his debut for Galatasaray immediately after the international break when they face Rizespor on September 15, marking his entry as the sixth Nigerian to play for the Cimbom.
The first Nigerian to play for the club was retired Eagles striker Dominic Iorfa, who spent just eight months with Galatasaray in 1992, scoring three goals in nine games before moving to English club Peterborough.
It wasn’t until 26 years later that another Nigerian joined the club. In 2018, Henry Onyekuru, who remains the most successful Nigerian to have played for Galatasaray, joined from Everton. Onyekuru scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 71 appearances, helping the club win the Turkish Super Lig and the League Cup.
In 2019, Valentine Ozornwafor joined Galatasaray from Nigerian club Enyimba. Despite high expectations, he failed to make an impact, making just one appearance during his three-year stint, mostly spent on loan.
In 2020, Oghenekaro Etebo and Jesse Sekidika also signed with the Turkish side. Etebo, on loan from Stoke City, made 29 appearances, while Sekidika played 19 times and scored one goal.
With Osimhen now on board, Galatasaray fans can look forward to another exciting chapter featuring Nigerian talent.
