Victor Osimhen’s Transfer to Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen has officially made a permanent switch to Galatasaray after a productive loan spell with the Turkish side. The 26-year-old forward, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September 2024, has now signed a contract that will keep him in Istanbul for the next four years. The transfer fee agreed upon between the two clubs is reported to be €75 million (approximately £64.8 million or $85.6 million), which also includes a notable 10% sell-on clause retained by Napoli.
Contract Details and Performance
In terms of compensation, Osimhen is set to earn a salary of €15 million per year, plus a loyalty bonus of €1 million. Last season, he showcased his scoring prowess by netting 37 goals in 41 matches, contributing significantly to Galatasaray’s success, including scoring six times in the Europa League and playing a vital role in securing the Turkish Super Lig title.
Background and Previous Clubs
Osimhen’s transfer comes as he approached the last year of his contract with Napoli, having extended it in December 2023. His departure follows Napoli’s acquisition of Romelu Lukaku last summer, who was signed as a replacement for Osimhen amidst a shake-up in the team’s attacking options under the new management of Antonio Conte. Additionally, Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca recently joined Napoli on loan from Udinese, further reshaping their front line.
Last summer, several clubs including Chelsea expressed interest in signing Osimhen, but negotiations did not lead to a deal. Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia also sought his signature before opting for Ivan Toney from Brentford instead.
Early Career
Osimhen’s football journey began at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos before he moved to Germany’s Wolfsburg in 2017, where he made his debut shortly thereafter. He had a successful loan spell at Charleroi in Belgium during the 2018-19 season before being signed by Lille in 2019 after they activated their purchase option. His stay in France was marked by 18 goals in one season before he transferred to Napoli in 2020.
Over four seasons in Italy, he emerged as a key player, tallying 76 goals and providing 18 assists, including a pivotal contribution of 31 goals in the 2022-23 season, which saw Napoli clinch their first Serie A title in 33 years. Notably, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, another standout from that title-winning squad, has since signed with Paris Saint-Germain in January.
