Victor Osimhen has confirmed he will not be joining Chelsea during the January transfer window, expressing his commitment to remain with Turkish giants Galatasaray until the end of his loan spell.
The 25-year-old striker, who was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, made his intentions clear after scoring his fourth goal for Galatasaray in their 2-1 victory against Besiktas in Monday’s Turkish Super Lig Istanbul Derby.
“Yes, I am here,” Osimhen responded when asked about his plans for the second half of the season, as reported by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.
Since joining the Turkish Super Lig leaders on loan from Napoli in September, Osimhen has been in excellent form, scoring in three consecutive league games, including a spectacular overhead kick against Antalyaspor last weekend upon his return from injury. His latest goal came in the 67th minute against Besiktas, where he expertly headed home Gabriel Sara’s cross to double Galatasaray’s lead before the visitors pulled one back in stoppage time.
Despite Chelsea’s ongoing interest in securing his services and Nicolas Jackson’s improved form, the Blues are still in the market for a striker capable of guaranteeing at least 20 goals per season, with Osimhen viewed as the ideal candidate to fill that void.
The former Lille forward’s performances in Turkey have garnered attention from Chelsea legends John Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba, both endorsing him as an ideal signing for their former club. Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray has greatly benefitted from Osimhen’s presence, with the striker contributing four goals and four assists in just six appearances. The team currently sits atop the Turkish Super Lig standings with 28 points from 10 matches, maintaining an impressive run of eight wins and two draws in their last 10 games across all competitions.
The victory over Besiktas has helped Galatasaray open a six-point gap ahead of second-placed Samsunspor, while the defeated remain fourth with 20 points.
With Osimhen confirming his commitment to Galatasaray until the summer, Chelsea may have to wait until 2025 to secure the services of the former Lille player, who continues to enhance his reputation in Turkish football.
