The transfer of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray was one of the summer transfer windows’ most unexpected news. This Nigerian striker, who attracted some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Chelsea and Al-Ahli. Somehow found his way into Turkey with Galatasaray. A move that has left many football fans absolutely stunned. Especially after everything that happened days before the transfer day deadline.
Napoli’s Bold Move: Letting Go Victor Osimhen
Napoli’s decision to let go of their star player Victor Osimhen was more than just surprising. Despite his key role in their Serie A triumph, Osimhen was surprisingly left out of plans for the new season. Even with a new contract and high release clause, Napoli was ready to sell him for less. They were ready for a loan deal Saudi club Al-Ahli or a permanent move to Chelsea, signaling a clear intent to move on. But this was just the beginning of a much more surprising story.
Catch And Miss Before Finally Letting Go
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Just when Al-Ahli was about to seal the deal, Osimhen did a dramatic U-turn and rejected the move. That saw the club rush in an attempt to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford instead. Chelsea, keen on adding Osimhen to their squad, could not finalize a loan deal. Even Arsenal, who had earlier passed up their option to sign Osimhen, showed their back from making any late offers for him. With options running out, it seemed that Osimhen’s future was uncertain.
Galatasaray: The Last Man Standing In Osimhen Transfer Saga
Just when it seemed like Osimhen might not find a new team before the transfer window closed, Galatasaray pulled out the shocker. Late into the night, they announced on social media that they were working on a deal with Napoli and Osimhen. As early as 2a.m., Osimhen had arrived in Istanbul into a cheering crowd of fans who had kept waiting all over the night for his arrival.
After all, Galatasaray signed Osimhen without paying a loan fee but agreed to pay his salary. Besides, they reached an agreement with Napoli to extend Osimhen’s contract to 2027, while lowering his release clause to €75 million. There’s reportedly a clause that would let him go in January. Of course, if another club pays the new release clause amount, which keeps Chelsea’s interest in him alive.
Turkey’s Transfer Window Playing a Vital Role
One big factor in this deal? The Turkish transfer window is open longer than most European leagues, closing on September 18. That little advantage helped Galatasaray get the deal over the line. They also made room for Osimhen by loaning out one of the top earners, Wilfried Zaha, to Lyon. This was a tactical move to enable them to sign Osimhen without paying a loan fee while at the same time giving him an opportunity to shine in both the Turkish Süper Lig and the Europa League.
A Fresh Start for Osimhen with a New Club
This is a fresh start for Osimhen. A season disrupted by continuous injury issues, he is now ready to rediscover himself in a new surrounding. The buzz and hope with which his arrival in Istanbul, and that of Osimhen, were met, were warming on the heart: “They came here at this time of night … I can already feel them.”. “I will give my all for them in every match.”. This new chapter in Turkey is a fresh start, not only for Osimhen but also the chance to make an incredible bond with the new fanbase.
Whether he remains at Galatasaray beyond this season or moves again in January to bigger clubs like Chelsea, Osimhen’s journey is an example to the twists in football transfers. From Napoli’s bold move to the dramatic arrival in Istanbul. This transfer is for sure going to be remembered as one of the most stunning twists of the summer.
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