Osimhen reveals TRUTH about Napoli exit plan

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 18 Oct 2024 12:30 BST
  • 3 min read
Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Victor Osimhen has revealed that he planned to leave Napoli during the January transfer window after failed negotiations with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Ahli.

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The Nigeria international was frozen out following Antonio Conte’s arrival in Naples, and he was widely tipped to seal a big-money move to Chelsea.

The Blues were unable to finalise an agreement with Napoli though, despite the help of club legend John Obi Mikel, and Osimhen looked destined for a spell on the sidelines in Serie A.

READ MORE: Chelsea's Victor Osimhen mistake revealed

However, Galatasaray lodged a last-minute loan offer and Osimhen decided to accept the Turkish giants’ proposal.

The 25-year-old has two goals and four assists in just four Galatasaray appearances and he is set to return to action within the next week after suffering a hamstring injury before the October international break.

READ MORE: How Victor Osimhen’s INJURY record is putting off Chelsea

Victor Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray
© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray

What has Victor Osimhen said?

“I had plans to stay there [Napoli] and wait for three or four months and leave in January… because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me,” Osimhen admitted to Turkish media (via Football Italia).

“It was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred.”

Osimhen continued: “When I received the call from the Galatasaray coach, it was really convincing. He said what he wanted to do this season and what he wanted to achieve.

Current ETV
Player image Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray logo

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Galatasaray

€63.1M

ETV Range

€47.3M - €78.9M

“I could see what he had set for himself as a man, a coach, and a father. I think I fit in this plan and coming to a team with already a lot of quality players with great ambition, as a footballer it was easy to come.

“When I came I could see how serious Galatasaray are as a club. For me it was the right decision, but also for my family and my daughter. Coming to a city like Istanbul, one of the best in the world. It was easy.

“So far so good, I’m really happy about my decision. I want to contribute and win something important here.”

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