Victor Osimhen received a raucous welcome from Galatasaray ultras when arriving in Turkey, despite the Nigerian landing in Istanbul at 4am today Tuesday.
The 25-year-old striker is in the process of completing a loan move from Serie A side Napoli.
Fans were out in force to welcome Osimhen to Turkey, with many staying up until the early hours in order to catch a glimpse of their latest signing.
The Nigeria international waved at and applauded his new supporters, with flares being set off as Osimhen was escorted by car through the streets of Istanbul.
He had been linked with Chelsea towards the end of the Premier League transfer window, while a switch to the Saudi Pro League was also heavily speculated on.
Napoli, who have acquired Belgium international frontman Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, are prepared to sanction a switch that Gala have confirmed as being pushed through.
A statement from the club read: “Official negotiations have begun with the football player and his club SSCN Napoli SPA regarding the temporary transfer of professional footballer Victor James Osimhen.”
Osimhen scored 76 goals through 133 appearances for Napoli, helping them to title glory in 2022-23, but only registered 15 efforts in the Italian top-flight last season and is looking to rediscover a spark that once made him one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.
Galatasaray opened talks to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen on loan, the Turkish Super Lig club announced on Monday.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international penned a contract extension with the Italian club last December through 2026 with a reported release clause of €130 million ($143.91 million).
A month later, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said Osimhen would leave at the end of the season, and the want-away striker was not included in Napoli’s official 23-man Serie A squad for the current campaign.
Osimhen’s 26 goals helped Napoli win the Scudetto two seasons ago, but it has turned sour since.
The transfer window in Turkey is open until Sept. 18, meaning Galatasaray, who are competing in this season’s revamped Europa League, still have time to complete the loan deal.
