In the early hours of Monday, Istanbul Airport became the epicenter of excitement as thousands of Galatasaray fans gathered to welcome Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker, arriving at 3:30 am, was met with thunderous cheers and chants, marking the beginning of his highly anticipated loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray.
Osimhen’s arrival, which has been the talk of the town, sees the 25-year-old joining the Turkish giants on a dry loan until June 2025. Galatasaray will cover his €10 million salary, with €8.8 million paid by the club, and a break clause available in January for potential transfers to top European clubs.
Fans waited throughout the night to catch a glimpse of their new star, and their patience paid off as Osimhen greeted them with a smile, clearly moved by the warm reception. The deal, finalized after the European transfer window closed, has sparked excitement in Istanbul, with reports suggesting as many as 50,000 fans were expected to welcome Osimhen.
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Osimhen is set to undergo medical tests on Tuesday morning before joining Galatasaray’s Europa League squad. As part of the agreement, his contract with Napoli will be extended until 2027.
The Nigerian forward is expected to form a dynamic partnership with Mauro Icardi, who is currently recovering from injury. To accommodate their new signing, Galatasaray has reportedly switched to a 3-5-2 formation, setting the stage for a potent offensive lineup in the Süper Lig.
The final steps of the transfer, including medical examinations and contract signings, are expected to be completed shortly, officially marking Osimhen’s next chapter in Turkish football.
