Victor Osimhen’s loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray was one of the most unexpected transfers of the 2024 summer window, especially given the interest from several top European clubs. Despite expectations that the Nigerian striker would join one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses, Galatasaray managed to secure his services on loan. Now, the Istanbul club is determined to keep the 2023 Serie A top scorer beyond this season.
Osimhen’s departure from Napoli became inevitable after a series of developments during the summer transfer window.
The Italian club, which was keen to offload the striker, excluded him from their Serie A squad and reassigned his number 9 shirt to Romelu Lukaku.
With the major European transfer windows closed and negotiations stalling with other clubs, Osimhen’s only remaining option was a late move to Turkey, whose transfer window remained open longer than most.
So far, the 25-year-old Nigerian has impressed during his brief time in Turkey, providing two assists in his first two appearances for Galatasaray, including one in their 3-1 derby victory against rivals Fenerbahçe.
While he is yet to find the back of the net, his contributions have been significant, and Galatasaray’s management is eager to see him remain with the club.
However, speculation regarding Osimhen’s future has surfaced, with reports claiming he has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave in January.
Galatasaray’s vice-president, Ibrahim Hatipoglu, has firmly dismissed these rumors. Speaking to Spor Kazani, Hatipoglu stated: “There is no way Osimhen will leave us in January.
In fact, we are working to ensure that he still plays here next season. He will be a Galatasaray player until June. Talking about these things only serves to attract attention and spoil the pleasure of watching Osimhen play.”
Hatipoglu’s comments suggest that Galatasaray are already looking ahead to the future, with the club eager to explore the possibility of keeping Osimhen beyond his current loan spell.
The Nigerian striker, who has shown a positive attitude since joining the Turkish giants, seems to be enjoying his time in Istanbul.
“He shows the affection he has for Galatasaray in every match. He is happy. He is under contract until the end of the season
. Now we will think about how to continue with him in the coming seasons. Discussing whether he will leave in the middle of the season or not makes no sense,” Hatipoglu added.
While Galatasaray’s leadership remains hopeful of extending Osimhen’s stay, the striker himself has expressed his long-term ambition to play in the Premier League.
His future will likely depend on the offers that materialize next summer, but for now, Osimhen appears committed to helping Galatasaray achieve their objectives this season.
As the 2024–2025 campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on how Osimhen performs in Turkey and whether Galatasaray can persuade him to remain beyond his loan spell.
For the time being, the club seems intent on keeping their star forward until at least the end of the season, despite any outside interest or speculation.
