Tag: Victor Osimhen

Super Eagles ace striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly distanced  himself with a move  from Galatasaray  to Manchester United  in the  January Transfer Window.

The  English Premier League  has  been on the  chase of the Nigerian  International  for some time but  according to publications in Turkey, the Galatasaray loanee have yet  again  ‘turned down’ a move to Old Trafford, as the Red Devils aimed to cut his loan spell in Istanbul short with a bid.

Osimhen completed his shock loan move to the Turkish giants in the summer after failing to move to Chelsea on August’s Deadline Day, and with 13 goals in 17 appearances for the reigning top-flight champions, it’s been an extremely fruitful spell. However, with clubs in more prestigious leagues interested, Osimhen could move on this winter as a £75million release clause has been touted – but one of those he won’t move to is United, with reports from Turkey stating that he has rejected the Premier League outfit.

Speaking to Galatasaray-based website Heber Sarikirmizi, reporter Yagiz Sabuncuoglu stated that United had looked at a deal for Osimhen due to their strikers falling short so far this season – but the Nigerian reportedly rejected the Red Devils.

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He said: “If Galatasaray finds the money for Victor Osimhen, they will buy him. They are also trying to find the money. I don’t think he will go on an interim transfer. Because there was a transfer meeting that I witnessed. Manchester United wanted him, he rejected him.”

Osimhen has been a top striker in Europe for a number of years now, scoring double figures in the league for Belgian outfit Charleroi and French outfit Lille over two seasons – and following his move to Napoli in 2020, the Nigerian nabbed 65 Serie A strikes in just 108 games before his surprise loan to Galatasaray, where he already has 10 goals in 13 games in the Turkish Super Lig.

Victor Osimhen’s nephew has begun training with Galatasaray after he was recommended to the Turkish champions by the Super Eagles striker himself.

Osimhen has even gone as far as saying the youngster will be better than him.

“He is very talented, don’t miss him. I expect him to be better than me,” Osimhen reportedly  quoted  Galatasaray management according to Ajansspor.

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Like Osimhen, the youngster is also a striker and he is training with the Galatasaray U17s.

Osimhen, 26, is on loan from Napoli and he has insisted on staying put at the Turkish giants at least until the end of the season despite serious interest for him from some of Europe’s top clubs.

Nigeria International striker, Victor Osimhen, has reportedly infuriated Napoli by refusing to leave Galatasaray in January, even with Manchester United making an approach.

The striker had signed a new contract in December 2023 with the express intention of leaving six months later for his €120m release clause.

However, when no club went anywhere near that figure and even cheaper deals with Chelsea and Saudi Pro League sides collapsed on deadline day, the Nigeria international joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024.

Napoli were hoping he would revitalise his form and do enough to earn a bid for his €81m release clause in January.

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But Italian news outlet,  La Repubblica newspaper , has  reportedly claimed that even when Manchester United did step forward to make it happen, Osimhen replied to director Giovanni Manna that he wanted to remain with Galatasaray until the end of the season.

This infuriated President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who saw it as yet another example of Osimhen trying to make his situation difficult for Napoli.

If he is not sold by the end of this season, then his release clause will drop to €75m.

Yet  transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano,  has confirmed that there is still  a possibility that Osimhen will move club during the January transfer window, but at the moment, there is nothing advanced or close in terms of a transfer.

“In terms of chance to move, it’s possible. But at the moment nothing is advanced or close with any club despite the links around. It’s still early for this one,” reportedly told GIVEMESPORT newsletter.

Victor Osimhen was on the scoresheet yet again for Galatasaray as they beat Göztepe 2-1 in the Trendyol Süper Lig fixture played at the RAMS Park on Saturday evening.

Osimhen opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Djalma Silva made a dangerous tackle, forcing referee Alper Akarsu to point to the spot.

Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis helped Göztepe restore parity as he fed Romulo, who ran into the Lion’s penalty area before striking the ball home.

Osimhen had the opportunity to restore Galatasaray’s lead in the first half stoppage-time, but his effort drifted past the left post.

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A minute after the hour mark, Dries Mertens gave the home side the lead, drilling the ball into the bottom left corner from Yunus Akgün’s pass.

Lucas Torreira thought he had given Galatasaray a two-goal cushion in the 80th minute when he tucked the ball home from the goalmouth, but the VAR chalked off his effort for offside.

Osimhen was brought off seven minutes later as Michy Batshuayi replaced him.

The 26-year-old has now netted 10 league goals this season, two behind Süper Lig top-scorer Krzysztof Piątek and he also had three assists to his credit.

Marcus Rashford is at the centre of a stunning swap deal involving Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The £60million-rated Manchester United forward has snubbed three offers from Saudi Arabia — worth up to £675,000 A WEEK — because he wants to win back his England place.

A move to another European club would give Rashford a platform to do that with Napoli’s former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte looking at a deal for the disillusioned star.

Under-fire United manager Ruben Amorim is desperate to strengthen this month and Conte’s interest in Rashford, 27, has opened the door to signing Osimhen.

The Nigerian — who has a £62m release clause — is on loan at Galatasaray but United could land the 26-year-old this month. He has scored 65 goals in 108 Serie A matches for Napoli since joining from Lille in 2020.

Amorim would love to work with Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres again but agreed he would not sign players from his former club until the summer at the earliest.

The Portuguese is short of goal scorers and dropped Rashford over his “standards” for the 2-1 Premier League derby win at Manchester City on December 15.

He has not played under Amorim for five games — despite three straight league losses leaving United 14th and facing a relegation battle.

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Rashford has been offered the chance to become the best-paid English player in history by clubs in Saudi Arabia more than doubling his £315,000 weekly pay packet to £675k. That £35m-a-year offer is almost 70 per cent more than the £400,000 a week that England skipper Harry Kane, 31, earns at Bayern Munich.

Catching the eye of the new England boss Thomas Tuchel is a priority for the 60-cap forward, who has not played international football since March.

Despite saying in December he is ready for “a new challenge”, it is understood he has not ruled out staying at Old Trafford where he is under contract until 2028. The club could do with a big windfall for home-grown Rashford as they look to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules and give Amorim funds to reshape the squad.

United held interest in Osimhen last summer, while moves to Chelsea and Saudi fell through.

Victor Osimhen’s dazzling performances since joining Turkish champions Galatasaray have earned him the admiration of former Fenerbahce’s striker, Tanju Çolak. 

The Super Eagles striker, currently on loan with the Trendyol Super Lig leaders, has quickly become one of the standout players in the Turkish league.

Osimhen’s stats underline his influence: nine goals and three assists in the Super Lig, making him the player with the second-highest goal contributions this season.

His brilliance extends to the UEFA Europa League, where he has scored three goals and provided two assists in just four games, failing to register a goal involvement in only one match.

According to Soccernet.football, Çolak, the only Turkish player to win the European Golden Shoe, described Osimhen’s transfer as a “masterstroke.”

Read Also: NFF sure of  improved  Super Eagles, Super  Falcons in 2025

Speaking to Haber Sarı Kırmızı, he said: “A correct and beautiful transfer. A number 10 transfer who came when no one expected. The most important thing is Osimhen’s adaptation to the team and Istanbul. He is a leader and top scorer who loves his job and works hard, even in training.

 “He is very smart, his superiority in aerial balls, his dribbling, his shots, his ability to easily enter goal positions, his pressing, his ability to come and get the ball even in corners show that he is a very important and special player. He achieved good statistics.”

As rumours swirl about potential suitors for the Nigerian forward, Çolak confidently dismissed speculations of an early departure.

 “Victor Osimhen will probably not leave during the break. Galatasaray will not let Osimhen go. I think Osimhen will continue with the same performance. His football friends also love and trust him very much.”

Galatasaray currently top the Super Lig standings and have already secured a place in the Europa League knockout stages. With Osimhen leading the charge, the Istanbul giants are poised for success on multiple fronts this season.

Napoli have given the green light for Victor Osimhen to transfer in January.

His availability has already been made known to several Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa, according to TBR Football

The striker’s price tag is 75 Million Euros or 60 Million Pounds.

There is a breakup clause in Osimhen’s loan deal to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

However, the player himself will have to sanction this early transfer after he had given his word to ‘Gala’ that he will not walk out on them next month.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are  reportedly eyeing  Osimhen amid the possibility of Marcus Rashford leaving Old Trafford in January.

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Rashford has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim after being omitted from the United Matchday squad in three consecutive games within a week. The player himself has already claimed that he is ready to take on a new challenge in his career, which has further fuelled speculation over his future at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports report that the Red Devils have shown interest in signing Napoli loanee and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, and Rashford’s potential exit in the January transfer window could open the door for the arrival of the Nigerian forward. Osimhen, who moved to Turkey  on loan in the summer, is in red-hot form as he has scored 12 goals in 15 appearances, including nine in the Super Lig.

The report further claimed  that United are already in touch with Osimhen’s representatives and their next step would be to agree personal terms with the striker. The difficult task, however, will be to negotiate with Napoli, who are likely to demand a fee of €75 million (£62m/$77m).

Super Eagles and Galatasaray attacker, Victor Osimhen has stated that he was able to adapted quickly to life in Turkey because of the love shown to him by the fans and the club.

The Super Eagles attacker, Osimhen scored twice to help his Turkish club, Galatasaray to a 5-1 away win at Kayserispor in a Matchday 16 tie played on Sunday.

The win solidifies Galatasaray’s position at the top of the league table with 38 points from 17 games, extending their lead to eight points over second-placed Fenerbahce and maintaining their unbeaten record after 17 games.

Osimhen explained that his teammates helped him to stabilize quickly and that it was natural he gives his best to ensure the club flourishes.

“I think it was very important to come to this team and be part of this big club, they made me feel at home,” Osimhen told the club’s media.” I adapted very quickly with Baris, Yunus, Gabi, and Dries; I learned their game quickly, and I was happy to be able to help.

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” We are undefeated in Europe; we have to go step by step; we continue on our way in the Super Lig,” he added.

Osimhen’s brace brings his tally to 12 goals and five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray. Impressively, the Nigerian star has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in just nine starts this season, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe .

In a related development, transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri  has reportedly told  Sky Sports Switzerland, that  the latest club to set its sights on Osimhen is Manchester United.

It is claimed they already contacted his entourage and it would be ‘no problem’ agreeing personal terms with the Nigeria international.

They are struggling badly in the Premier League and want a centre-forward for new coach Ruben Amorim who better suits his style of football.

Other January contenders for Osimhen could include Paris Saint-Germain and potentially Juventus.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen might be on his way to the English Premier League  as early as next month’s  transfer window  with words  rife that  both  Manchester United  and Chelsea  are now willing to trigger the release  clause of the Napoli loanee to Turkish side, Galatasaray. 

Though still heavily linked  to French giants, Paris Saint Germain, there are pockets  of reports over the weekend  that  the  both Premiership  sides  are now  willing  to firm up a deal for the  Nigerian  striker in the coming year.

After his failed move away from Napoli, the 25-year-old joined Galatasaray on loan, where he’s been in sensational form. He’s already scored 10 goals and provided five assists in just 14 appearances for the Turkish club this season.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Osimhen’s release clause is around €80 million in January, which could drop to €70 million next summer. RMC Sport had earlier  reported that PSG has contacted Osimhen, who is aware of their interest but remains happy in Turkey, where he’s been warmly received.

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Yet  despite Chelsea’s sensational  start to the EPL season with outstanding 37 goals,  some pundits have claimed that Chelsea must ensure they sign a new striker in the New Year, with the club linked with Osimhen. 

“I think Victor Osimhen would be a top player in the Premier League, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that the striker position is where Chelsea should be prioritizing in the next few transfer windows,” former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips told sportscasting.com.

There  are other  claims that Manchester United need to sign a quality striker and Osimhen would be an exceptional acquisition for them. 

The 25-year-old is one of the finest strikers in European football right now and he could transform Manchester United in the attack. He will add goals, and creativity to the side. He helped Napoli win the league title recently and he knows what it takes to play for a big club and compete for trophies regularly.

Manchester United need a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who has not been able to adapt to the Premier League since his arrival and Osimhen could be an interesting alternative. Marcus Rashford has been linked with an exit, and Osimhen could be a replacement for him as well.

• Galatasaray  confirmed Nigerian ace injury

For his blistering  speed and rash of goals  for Galatasaray, Nigeria international  Victor Osimhen  has drawn  a unique comparison with  one of the game’s greatest player, Cristiano Ronaldo who is now enjoying his Indian Summer  in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.

This much is the opinion of former Besiktas forward Nihat Kahveci following Osimhen’s remarkable speed during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Sivasspor in the Super Lig on Sunday.

Simply called Nihat, the  former Turkish international   who is currently a pundit on the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), reportedly  made the Ronaldo-Osimhen comparison   while speaking  on Kontraspor’s YouTube channel via Haber Global

 “He’s like Cristiano Ronaldo,” Kahveci remarked. “I thought I was fast when I was running with him. There’s a sports button in cars, Osimhen is the same. He stretched very well, and no other centre forward could easily reach that ball.”

The 25-year-old striker has been in sensational form for Galatasaray, scoring seven goals in nine appearances so far this season in the Turkish Super Lig plus three more goals in four  Europa League  matches in the on-going campaign.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray has confirmed that Victor Osimhen will be sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained during the side’s  3-2 victory over Sivasspor on Sunday.

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Despite scoring from the penalty spot in the match, the Nigerian ace  was substituted in the 74^th  minute, with Victor Nelsson replacing him.

But according to Turkish news outlet, Fanatik, Osimhen   has since underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan  with confirmation  that he had  moderate strain and bleeding in his right upper back muscle.

“Victor Osimhen, who felt pain in his upper back muscle during match week 15 was diagnosed with moderate strain and bleeding in his right upper back muscle group in the MRI examination performed at our hospital,” Fanatik stated. ” The treatment has started on him.”

While the club has begun treatment for the injury, no specific timeline has been provided for his return.

Osimhen’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by Galatasaray, who have relied on the Nigerian striker’s goal scoring ability this season.

His injury leaves a gap in the attacking setup, and it remains to be seen how the team will cope without their star forward.

While the club has confirmed that treatment is underway, the lack of a clear timeline for his return raises concerns over how long they will have to manage without him.