Galatasaray have confirmed that Victor Osimhen has joined on loan from Italian side Napoli.
Osimhen was linked with a move away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona throughout the transfer window, but his reported £113m release proved to be a major stumbling block to a potential departure.
Napoli eventually dropped their financial demands in the closing stages of the window and it appeared that he would join either Chelsea or Al Ahli before the transfer deadline.
Chelsea failed in their attempts to land Osimhen, while it was reported that Al Ahli had agreed personal terms with the striker.
However, the move ultimately fell through after Napoli supposedly raised their demands, resulting in Al-Ahli turning their focus to signing Ivan Toney from Brentford.
Them new colors be popping on Victor 😍 🟡🔴 pic.twitter.com/0EtM68ls1F
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) September 4, 2024
Galatasaray complete Osimhen loan deal
After failing to secure a departure, Osimhen was facing the prospect of not playing any football until January following his exile from Napoli's first-team setup.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte had frozen Osimhen out of the squad and there was no way back after the arrival of his replacement Romelu Lukaku.
It then emerged that Galatasaray had struck an agreement to sign Osimhen on loan before the Turkish transfer window closes on September 13.
The reigning Turkish champions have now confirmed that Osimhen has joined the club on a season-long loan move from Napoli.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Galatasaray will cover the player's salary but there is no option or obligation to buy clause included in the deal.
Napoli have the option to extend Osimhen's contract until June 2027, while they now reduced his release clause to €75m (£63.2m).
As the man himself said:
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) September 4, 2024
"We are the best." 🟡🔴 pic.twitter.com/Xe2cdL6G2X
When will Osimhen make his debut?
The 25-year-old has chosen to wear the number 45 shirt for Okan Buruk's side - a number that he feels brings him good luck.
Osimhen is now set to link up with Nigeria's squad ahead of two qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The forward may not arrive in time to feature in Saturday's game against Benin, but he should be available for Tuesday's meeting with Rwanda.
Once he has completed his international obligations, Osimhen will link up with his new teammates ahead of the resumption of the Super Lig.
Osimhen could make his debut in a home match against Caykur Rizespor on September 14, before his new side play host to Gaziantep just a few days later.
