Chelsea alerted: Osimhen transfer race takes another twist

Cameron Smith

12 Nov 2024 15:30 CST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, Galatasaray — © IMAGO

Galatasaray are preparing a player-plus-cash swap deal to sign Victor Osimhen next summer, according to reports in Turkey.

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The Nigeria international joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli this summer, with the 25-year-old forced out following Antonio Conte’s arrival at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Osimhen was heavily linked with both Al-Hilal and Paris Saint-Germain, while he was widely expected to secure a move to Premier League giants Chelsea.

However, Enzo Maresca’s side were unable to finalise an agreement with Napoli and Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on loan instead.

The Blues remain interested in signing Osimhen in 2025, despite Nicolas Jackson’s impressive recent form, but they are set to face significant competition for his signature.

Newcastle United have joined the race for the Nigerian, amid Alexander Isak’s uncertain future at St James’ Park, while Fenerbahce have expressed their interest in his services, as per Turkiye Today.

However, Galatasaray are expected to be Chelsea’s biggest threat in the race for Osimhen, with the Turkish giants preparing a swap deal offer to land the 25-year-old.

Okan Buruk’s side are set to ask for a discount on Osimhen’s €75 million release clause and they are also considering including Davinson Sanchez, Baris Alper Yilmaz or Yunus Akgun in any prospective deal, according to Milliyet.

Osimhen has tallied eight goals and four assists in just nine appearances for Galatasaray, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) now stands at €63.1m.

© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen is on loan at Galatasaray

What has Victor Osimhen said?

Reports have suggested that Osimhen could leave Galatasaray during the January transfer window, but the Nigerian recently shut down rumours of a mid-season exit.

“I’m here as a Galatasaray player, I’m happy here,” he said. “Since I came, the Galatasaray fans, the club, I saw how big a family this club is. The way they have treated me and my family in a wonderful manner.

"It’s important to be able to give them my all on the pitch. I’ve seen a lot of the speculation linking me out of the club in January, I can state through me now I’m going to be here until the end of the season.”