Victor Osimhen received a hero’s welcome from Galatasaray fans upon his arrival in Istanbul after completing his loan move to the Turkish club.
The Super Eagles striker has been assigned a new shirt number at Galatasaray following a fallout with his parent club, Napoli, after the collapse of his anticipated summer transfer from the Serie A champions.
Despite extending his contract with Napoli last December, the reigning African Footballer of the Year had been heavily linked with moves to the Premier League, Ligue 1, and the Saudi Pro League. However, his €130 million release clause proved to be a significant hurdle for interested clubs, leaving Chelsea and Saudi side Al-Ahli as the last contenders on transfer deadline day.
With both deals falling through at the last minute, the 25-year-old was forced to find a way out of Naples after being dropped from Antonio Conte’s first team. Additionally, Osimhen was stripped of his iconic number 9 jersey, which was given to new signing Romelu Lukaku.
Osimhen eventually secured a season-long loan to Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, with no option or obligation to buy. His contract also allows him to leave in January if the right offer comes along.
Upon his arrival, Osimhen was greeted by thousands of passionate Galatasaray fans at the airport. While initial reports suggested he would wear the number 99 jersey, the latest update from Tutto Napoli reveals that Osimhen will don the number 45 shirt, as confirmed on the club’s web store.