Victor Osimhen has dismissed talk that he is about to leave Galatasaray, following comments from Nigeria manager Eric Chelle that suggested an imminent move. The 27-year-old striker, who made a surprise move from Napoli to Galatasaray in the summer of 2024, initially on loan before making the switch permanent last summer, has been prolific for the Turkish club.
Osimhen has scored 41 times in 52 league appearances and 59 goals in 74 matches across all competitions. Galatasaray have won four consecutive Super Lig titles, two since Osimhen's arrival, and he also helped the club lift the Turkish Cup last year. The forward is under contract in Istanbul until 2029.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle appeared to drop a bombshell regarding Osimhen's future when discussing the squad for upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Poland. Chelle stated that both Osimhen and Ademola Lookman would not be available, suggesting Osimhen's absence was due to a potential transfer. 'We will miss two players because Victor Osimhen, he had maybe to change a club, so I prefer that he stays, because if you play and you are not at hundred percent, this is not good,' Chelle said.
Osimhen has since clarified these comments, asking people to disregard them while confirming there is no issue with his international manager. 'Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion,' Osimhen posted on Instagram. 'He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy. I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.'
Osimhen has been linked with top European clubs in the past, especially when he left Napoli, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea reportedly interested before his move to Turkey. Manchester United have now been touted as an interested party for the 51-cap Nigeria international. ESPN also notes Arsenal, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid as clubs that would be keen to bring him in.
