Analyzing Victor Osimhen’s Move to Galatasaray
By: Anthony Tazbaz
Image Credit: Bertrand Gabioud
On Friday, August 30, the world was seemingly collapsing before Nigerian star forward Victor Osimhen’s eyes. In search of earning a higher wage and ideally playing for a big-name club — after having ostracized himself from 2022-23 Serie A winners Napoli, with which he played the hero by scoring the title-clinching goal — the Nigerian international found himself in a conundrum between choosing to sign with a beleaguered and dysfunctional Chelsea FC and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
Owing in large part to the €130-million release clause included in his contract, Osimhen quickly saw both opportunities close after Chelsea decided not to pay the hefty fee, whereas Ah-Ahli opted to sign English international Ivan Toney from Brentford FC for €42 million — a cheaper alternative to enhancing their attack, which also includes Brazilian and Algerian internationals Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez, respectively.
Then, after failing to secure a move to another club before the top five European leagues’ transfer deadline on August 30, Napoli doubled-down on their attempts to move on from the 25-year-old Nigerian by not including him in the squad. The club also revoked his right to wear #9, which was given to newcomer Romelu Lukaku, who scored in his Napoli debut, a 2-1 comeback victory against Parma.
However, with such leagues as Portugal’s Primeira Liga, Greece’s Super League and Turkey’s Süper Lig retained the ability to sign players until Monday, September 2, Osimhen seized the opportunity — no matter how much of a monetary sacrifice it may be — and signed with two-time defending Süper Lig winners Galatasaray. Below include the details of Osimhen’s move to the Istanbul-based club, as revealed by both clubs and multiple sources.
Osimhen’s Move to Galatasaray:
One-year loan, without a purchase option;
Galatasaray will pay €9 million out of Osimhen’s €10 million annual salary indicated in his contract with Napoli;
The deal contains a break clause, which enables Napoli to recall Osimhen in January;
Contract extension signed with Napoli until June 2027; and
Release clause in that new contract is reduced from €130 million to €75 million;
Napoli’s Perspective
Although this move was not initially in the cards for Osimhen, playing in Türkiye will nevertheless help the Nigerian maintain his fitness and — an especially important factor for Napoli — his transfer value. Currently valued at €100 million, the Nigerian international — who scored 32 goals and provided five assists in all competitions in Napoli’s title-winning 2022-23 season — has a chance to make an impact in Istanbul and mark an impression on other prospective club owners and executive directors. Last season, Osimhen’s reputation took a nosedive during the transfer saga that lasted approximately one year. Being a star player within a high-quality league can enable Osimhen to breakout and fully prove his worth.
Ultimately, this transfer is a temporary "win-win-win" situation for all parties involved. With respect to this transfer, Galatasaray will pay €9 million out of Osimhen’s total salary of €10 million. This will provide Napoli some leeway in their wage budget, which will be less strained despite signing the likes of Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola and Scott McTominay. With Osimhen also gaining playing time, Napoli may still see themselves selling the Nigerian international at a high fee, which would counter any possibility of a sizeable collapse of the player’s valuation.
Victor Osimhen’s Perspective
Osimhen will be able to enjoy playing football in a new and passionate environment — Galatasaray boasts one of Europe's most passionate fanbases. The Nigerian international is being served the perfect opportunity to produce goal and assist tallies similar to those at Napoli before suffering a roller-coaster and injury-plagued 2023-24 season.
Moreover, the 25-year-old is already being held in high esteem and receiving the superstar treatment. Upon arrival, Galatasaray supporters greeted Osimhen at the Istanbul airport — at 4:00 a.m. It remains to be seen whether Osimhen can ultimately live up to high expectations and remain healthy during his (maximum) one-year tenure at the Istanbul-based club.
Galatasaray’s Perspective
Finally, Galatasaray also acquired a key piece for their quest to win the Süper Lig for a third consecutive season, as well as a 25th said title in club history. With Osimhen's arrival making him the highest-valued player to ever play in Türkiye, Galatasaray boast an additional scoring threat against such heavyweights/rivals as Fenerbahce and Besiktas.
Although it is highly doubtful that Galatasaray will be able to afford purchasing the player on a permanent basis, Osimhen's one-year tenure can enhance the Turkish club's reputation in welcoming and hosting a player of such high calibre. In previous years, around one decade ago, Galatasaray was home to veteran superstar players Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba.
Despite 2023-24 runners-up Fenerbahce enhancing their personnel and squad by hiring manager José Mourinho and signing players Allan Saint-Maximin and Sofyan Amrabat, Osimhen's arrival arguably places Galatasaray as a prime candidate to once again derail and wreck Fenerbahce's hopes of winning the league title.
Sacrifices to be Made
However, coupled with benefits, each party is required to make concessions. For example, due to the contract extension and lowered release clause, Napoli accepted that they will likely have to sell the Nigerian at a significantly cheaper fee than the previously expected sum of €120-130 million. However, a release clause of €75 million will open the door for several big-name clubs to splash the cash on a young forward who can still grow and refine his game.
As a proven talisman, expect Chelsea to re-enter the Osimhen sweepstakes, perhaps as early as January. Other interested clubs may be EPL rivals Arsenal — which were offered Osimhen for €120-130 million — Liverpool FC, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus FC.
With Barcelona likely cash-strapped because of the lack of transfer funds, EPL club Tottenham Hotspur are arguably the biggest losers in this affair because of their €66-million investment to purchase forward Dominic Solanke from league rivals AFC Bournemouth. In what will likely constitute an overpayment for a slightly above-average forward who had either a breakout season or a one-season wonder of 21 goals and four assists across all competitions, Osimhen is a far better and consistent player with experience at higher-level competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League (UCL). His arrival at another London-based club or at another big-six EPL club may serve as a double-whammy for Tottenham, especially if the Nigerian returns to his 2022-23 form.
From Osimhen's perspective, he will have to either lower his excessive wage demands to play at a big-name club, or in greater circumstances, take a slight pay cut altogether. Also, Osimhen will have to prove himself once again as being a reliable professional player who can make sacrifices for the greater good of the squad and the club. Playing in Türkiye will also constitute a challenge for the Nigerian. Despite having dedicated fanbases — or perhaps because of it — Turkish stadiums host some of Europe's most hostile atmospheres for players.
That said, Osimhen is capable to weather those storms. However, he will have to showcase an impeccable work ethic and composure on the pitch. He must also not let the idea of a Süper Lig golden boot or superstar status to boost his ego and convert confidence into arrogance. Should he achieve strong work ethic and composure, Osimhen may become world-class footballer, not just as a pure scorer. As a result, the Nigerian may become the winning party in the medium- to long-term.
For Galatasaray, they may have to accept that Osimhen could leave in January should Napoli exercise the break clause in the player’s new contract. As a result, despite potentially being neck-and-neck with Fenerbahce or another club in the title race, the Nigerian could abruptly leave Türkiye and sign for another major club.
In addition, Galatasaray will have to hope that the 25-year-old does not suffer any major injuries. Such an outcome will result in the Istanbul-based club paying €9 million to the infirmary. However, if both outcomes do not materialize, Galatsaray may be the short-term winners among all three parties, by having a star player for supporters to watch, potentially winning third consecutive Süper Lig title, as well as a possible deep run in this year's edition of the UCL.
At the End of the Day
Ultimately, Napoli may become the losers, but only to a limited extent due to the Italian club still getting most of his salary off the books temporarily and likely selling him in the near future for a near-club record fee at around €75 million.
Despite several concessions and sacrifices being made, this transfer constitutes the perfect path out of instability and uncertainty for Napoli and Osimhen, and an ideal temporary solution to enhancing Galatasaray's squad for their 2024-25 season.
Which party will emerge victorious in this transfer? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. As well, let us know which player transfer that you would like us to analyze.
