Napoli Striker Victor Osimhen Set to Join Galatasaray on Loan Following Chelsea Deal Collapse

Napoli has agreed to loan Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to Turkish champions Galatasaray. This development comes just days after a highly anticipated move to Chelsea fell through at the last minute.

Osimhen, 25, was on the verge of a deadline-day switch to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea preparing a loan deal that included an obligation to buy. However, the move collapsed after the striker reportedly demanded a weekly wage package exceeding £300,000, according to Sky Sports. The failed negotiation left Osimhen in a precarious position, with Saudi club Al-Ahli also moving on to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney instead.

The situation further deteriorated when Napoli, seemingly preparing for Osimhen’s departure, excluded him from their squad list for the 2024-25 season after securing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku as a replacement.

Fortunately for Osimhen, he won’t be sidelined until January. Galatasaray has stepped in with a proposal to take him on loan for the entire season. According to renowned sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Istanbul-based club has reached an agreement in principle with Napoli to cover Osimhen’s full salary during the loan period.

“Galatasaray have reached an agreement in principle with Napoli over a loan deal for Victor Osimhen. One year loan, salary covered as Napoli have accepted these conditions. Gala’s delegation to meet with Osimhen in Napoli in the next hours for the final green light to the move,” Romano reported.

With this latest development, Osimhen looks set to continue his career in Turkey, temporarily leaving behind the turbulence of his transfer saga.