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It Feels Good Being Here": Osimhen on Galatasaray Move |
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has spoken out about his transfer to Galatasaray after a period of uncertainty.
The striker was sidelined from Napoli's squad by new manager Antonio Conte after expressing his desire to leave the club. Napoli signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea as his replacement, leaving Osimhen in a difficult position.
Osimhen was close to a dramatic deadline day move to Chelsea, who were preparing a loan deal with an obligation to buy. However, the transfer fell through when Osimhen requested a wage package exceeding £300,000 per week, according to Sky Sports.
This left Osimhen in a state of limbo, with Saudi club Al-Ahli also moving on to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney as an alternative. Osimhen had initially agreed to a transfer to Al-Ahli, which would have made him the highest-paid Nigerian player in history.
After the transfer windows for Saudi and European leagues closed, Napoli agreed to loan Osimhen to Galatasaray. Turkish clubs have until September 13 to finalize their summer transfers.
The 25-year-old arrived in Istanbul early Tuesday morning, greeted by thousands of enthusiastic Galatasaray fans who chanted his name as he walked through the airport.
"I am ready to give my best for them. This is one of the best sets of fans in the world. It feels good to be here, and I am absolutely excited," Osimhen said.
"I can't wait to see them in the stadium and hear them cheer when I score. I am ready to give my best for them," he added.
Osimhen is expected to complete his medical examination at the club before an official announcement is made. Galatasaray will cover his full salary during the loan period, but they are not obligated to purchase the striker at the end of the season, according to Sky Italia.
