Tag: Victor Osimhen

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen notched his seventh goal in the Turkish Super Lig yesterday and his tenth in   all competitions so far, to help his club, Galatasaray to a 3-2 away win at Sivasspor.

Osimhen scored from the penalty kick in the added time of the first half stoppage time to put his team ahead as the league leaders survived despite playing over 70 minutes of the encounter with a man less following Metehan Baltaci’s dismissal in the 15^th minute of the game.

The Nigerian dusted himself up moments after he was fouled in the home team’s penalty box as he tried to chase down a goal bound ball. He took the spot kick to restore Galatasaray’s advantage.

Osimhen has played 13 games in all competitions for the Turkish League leaders with 10 goals and four assists.

In France, Simon Moses was the match winner as his late strike helped Nantes to a 1-0 win over Rennes.

Simon struck in the 89^th minute when many thought the game was headed for a draw. It was his fourth goal of the season from 13 games. He has four assists too.

In another French League game, Akor Adams fired blanks as Montpellier were beaten 2-0 at RC Lens. He was introduced in the 71st minute. The former French Ligue One champions are bottom of the log. Adams has played 12 games with three goals and one assist.

Read Also: NFF launches monthly Football Awards today

In Scotland, Cyriel Dessers came on in the 80th minute for Glasgow Rangers who were 3-0 winners at Ross County. He gave the assist for the third goal six minutes after he was introduced. Dessers has played 19 games in all competitions for Rangers with seven goals to his credit.

His compatriot, Leon Balogun has featured 11 times in the Scottish Premiership this season as the Gers remain in third spot with 32 points from 15 games but have played a game less than second placed Aberdeen who are two points better.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles attacker, Umar Sadiq could not add to his seven La Liga games as he was benched in Real Sociedad’s 3-0 away win at Leganes yesterday in Spain.

Umar is yet to score this season but has provided one assist from 10 games in all competitions.

Elsewhere, Super Eagles defender, Kevin Akpoguma saw out the remaining eight minutes of Hoffenheim’s 1-1 draw with Freiburg in the German Bundesliga.

In Italy, Empoli thrashed Hellas Verona 4-1 without their Nigerian defender, Tyronne Ebuehi who is still recuperating from a knee injury.

In England, Wilfred Ndidi and Leicester City came back from 2-0 to secure a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium against Brighton who were 2-0 up before the late collapse.

Ndidi was withdrawn in the 52^nd minute by new head coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy in his 15th league game of the season. The Foxes are 16th on the log with 14 points.

In another EPL game, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were impressive for the Craven Cottagers who held highflying Arsenal to a 1-1 draw. Both players played their 15th game of the season each with Bassey yellow carded in the 72nd minute. Iwobi couldn’t add to his five goals and three assists but he gave a good account

The Cottagers are 10th with 23 points from 15 games.

In Czech Republic, Slavia Prague extended their lead stop the tables to 10 points following their 2-1 away win at SK Sigma Olomouc. Nigerian’s Ogbu Igoh played the game but was booked in the 47^th minute. Slavia have 50 points from 18 games.

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker currently on loan at Galatasaray, could be at the centre of a sensational transfer saga in the summer of 2025. After a tumultuous period that saw him loaned out by Napoli, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, with several top clubs eyeing his signature.

The 25-year-old has been in scintillating form for Galatasaray, netting 9 goals in 12 appearances and quickly becoming a fan favourite. Despite his success in Turkey, Osimhen’s long-term future is far from settled. His contract with Napoli runs until 2026, with a hefty annual salary of €10 million, a reward for his crucial role in their Scudetto-winning campaign but also a potential obstacle for interested clubs.

Juventus has emerged as a surprise contender for Osimhen’s services, with former Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli now at the helm of the Bianconeri’s transfer strategy. Giuntoli, who originally brought Osimhen to Napoli from Lille, is reportedly keen on reuniting with the striker in Turin.

The Old Lady’s interest in Osimhen stems from their potential need to revamp their attacking options. Dusan Vlahovic’s future at Juventus remains uncertain, with contract renewal talks stalling and his performances not fully convincing the club hierarchy. Should Vlahovic depart, Juventus would be in the market for a top-class striker, and Osimhen fits the bill perfectly.

Read Also: NSC enlists Ochei’s  support to boost sports development

According to reports from Il Mattino, Osimhen would be thrilled at the prospect of joining Juventus. The mutual admiration between the player and Giuntoli could play a crucial role in facilitating this move. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding the financial aspects of the deal.

Osimhen’s release clause, set at €75 million, is only valid for foreign clubs, which means Juventus would need to negotiate directly with Napoli. Moreover, the striker’s substantial wages pose a challenge for Juventus, who are currently focused on reducing their wage bill.

While other clubs, including Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, are also monitoring Osimhen’s situation, Juventus’ interest adds an intriguing dimension to the transfer saga. The potential return of one of Serie A’s most prolific strikers to Italian football, especially to a rival club, would undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, in a pre-match interview with Mediaset before Napoli’s Coppa Italia round of 16 clash against Lazio, Napoli’s Sporting Director Giovanni Manna addressed several key issues surrounding the club’s players and future plans.

Manna addressed the speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen’s potential January departure. He concisely stated, “Technically possible, but no one has called us.”

Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi cannot be partnered with his Galatasaray teammate Victor Osimhen upfront as they don’t ‘get along.’

This is according to Sinan Engin who spent most of his playing career at Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig rivals Beşiktaş between 1981 and 1989, and he is now an analyst.

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has preferred to play with two strikers since the arrival of the Nigerian striker as he partners with Mauro Icardi, but the latter is currently out injured.

Read Also: NFF faults  Libya’s poor treatment claims before Uyo showdown 

However, Icardi is now out injured and Buruk deployed Batshuayi with Osimhen upfront on Thursday in a 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar with the Super Eagles star scoring in the UEFA Europa League clash.

Osimhen is the only one left in Galatasaray after Mauro Icardi, he can’t get along with Michy Batshuayi. Mauro Icardi was the right partner for Osimhen. Icardi knows how to play. They are good chances for each other,” Engin said on Haber Sari Kirmizi.

 “Now, to bring the ball to Osimhen, you will either put Mertens next to Osimhen or make the midfield crowded. “Okan Buruk’s bench is not very rich either. 2-3 players left, it is down to 15-16 players.”

Batshuyi recently claimed that he is better than Osimhen ‘technically’ and it remains unclear whether their partnership will be successful.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly emerged as a target for Manchester United as the club considers “possible reinforcements in attack” to buttress their misfiring forward line.

The Red Devils have produced a paltry 13 goals in 12 Premier League games this season with only three sides have scoring fewer in the division, including newly promoted Leicester City and Southampton.

This frugality in front of goal ultimately cost Erik ten Hag his job at the end of October, but new head coach Ruben Amorim will have been sharing many of the Dutchman’s frustrations as he watched United labour to a lucky 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on the weekend.

However, from a defensive perspective, it is the polar opposite. Just two teams – Arsenal and Liverpool – have conceded fewer goals than United in the league, with Andre Onana leading the pack for the Golden Glove award.

Evidently, United’s major struggles this season are concentrated in the opposition box, rather than their own. And it appears the club are actively considering options to improve this with a “four-man striker transfer shortlist” drawn up.

Florian Plettenberg and Luca Sixtus (Sky Sports Germany) revealed Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is “on the list” for the Red Devils, alongside Randal Kolo Muani, Omar Marmoush and Victor Boniface.

Read Also: Mascherano re-unites with Messi as new coach of Inter Miami

The Nigerian international joined Galatasaray at the end of the summer transfer window after a big-money move to Chelsea failed to materialise.

He had been frozen out of the Napoli squad by new manager Antonio Conte, who instructed the Italian club to bring in Romelu Lukaku instead.

Osimhen has produced eight goals and three assists in just 10 games for his newly adopted Turkish side, demonstrating his ability to be decisive in the opposition box.

His direct and physical style also lends itself to Amorim’s system, with some parallels between the Nigerian and Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has lit up Europe at Sporting Lisbon under the 39-year-old coach.

The Sky Sports DE report claimed Osimhen has a €75 million release clause which takes effect in January 2025, meaning a negotiation to sign the 25-year-old next would be simple, but expensive.

But in a team struggling in the exact area where Osimhen thrives – which is the most important job in football – money should not present an object, especially at a club the size of Manchester United.

Despite the speculation surrounding the potential transfer of Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’s coach Okan Buruk has firmly stated that the Nigerian will not be leaving the club in January.

The future of Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, remains a hot topic as he enjoys a standout season in Turkey.

With six goals in the league and two in the Europa League, Osimhen’s impressive performances have drawn attention from clubs across Europe, including teams in Italy, the Premier League, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Read Also: NFF: Why we have not paid Super Eagles

Buruk addressed the situation in a recent press conference, saying: “Victor has every intention to stay here until the end of the season. The release clause? It doesn’t matter; he has said he will stay. It’s the player who decides, and Osimhen has made it clear that he will not leave, and he has said this since he arrived.”

Buruk also touched upon Osimhen’s impact on the team and his commitment to Galatasaray. The striker’s presence has been vital as he continues to build chemistry with his teammates and contribute significantly to their success.

In addition to discussing Osimhen, Buruk provided an update on Mauro Icardi’s injury. He remarked, “Sometimes it’s necessary to rest certain players. There’s also a psychological aspect; Icardi has played very little for us at his best. He was just starting to recover when one injury led to another.”

Former United striker Louis Saha says Manchester United need to sign Victor Osimhen as they rebuild following the arrival of new coach Ruben Amorim.

He called on Amorim to go all out for the Nigerian striker, not Viktor Gyokeres, who has been widely linked to ‘The Red Devils’.

Read Also: Juventus terminate Pogba’s contract

“If you look at the stats, Man United should go after Victor Osimhen over Viktor Gyokeres, it’s as simple as that,” he told BoyleSports.

Napoli have said several top clubs are now prepared to meet their valuation of Osimhen.

This past summer, several interested clubs failed to meet the player’s release clause of 130 Million Euros.

It is believed that he can now go for 75 Million Euros after his loan spell at Galatasaray.

Amid concerns over current forms of  Arsenal  striking trio of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling, Gunners’ great, William Gallas, has asked  his old club to  snap up Nigeria International striker, Victor Osimhen.

The 25-year-old Gallas has urged Mikel Arteta to beat the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United to the statement signing of the ‘scary’  Super Eagles striker.

So far in his career, Osimhen has notched 122 goals in 232 games across all competitions including eight goals in nine matches for Galatasaray this term.

Osimhen was left stranded in the summer  when he was cast aside by Napoli and failed to secure a transfer before the deadline for most European clubs despite reportedly having  held talks with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and the Saudis.

The Turkish Super Lig often comes to the rescue for sidelined players, as their transfer window runs later, and

Galatasaray ended up saving Osimhen by capturing him on a season-long loan and the Turkish Super Lig side would love to sign the goal scorer permanently amid possibility of a blockbuster move to a truly elite club  at the end of the season.

Read Also: Alao-Akala’s son donates sporting materials to football clubs, Ogbomoso FA

Gallas, who made 142 appearances for Arsenal between 2006 and 2010, has now weighed in on Osimhen’s situation.

 “If I could sign one player for Arsenal in January, it would be a world-class striker, but they are not available in January,” he said (via Goal). “No top, top strikers are available at the moment.

 “I wanted to speak about Osimhen because I know he’s at Galatasaray, and I still don’t understand why he’s there.

 “That’s the type of profile Arsenal need. They need a player with that pedigree.

 “With Victor, maybe he won’t score 20 goals in the season, but he will scare defenders, he will give them a hard time, and that will give the opportunity for players around him to score goals.”

He added: “That’s why he reminds me a little bit of Drogba. If you remember when Drogba was at Chelsea, he gave the defenders a hard time. Frank Lampard was around, almost a second striker, and always scored. I think, maybe one season, he had more goals than Didier. Arsenal doesn’t have that player at the moment.

 “When you look at Gabriel Jesus, he’s not really fit, he doesn’t play. Looks like he’s not happy. Sterling doesn’t play. Havertz, up and down, up and down. You need more consistency.”

Nigerian ace excited  over  win against Samsunspor

English Premier League side Newcastle  are reportedly  the latest club weighing up  the possibility  of  signing  top Chelsea striker target Victor Osimhen in the summer.

Osimhen was expected to leave Napoli on a permanent basis last summer amid links with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabian clubs. But the centre-forward was left stranded when no deal materialised before the transfer deadline for most European clubs.

With Osimhen having been cast out by Napoli and replaced by Romelu Lukaku, the Nigeria star was facing a hugely frustrating season away from first-team football.

But Galatasaray came to Osimhen’s rescue by signing him on a season-long loan. Galatasaray will try to land Osimhen permanently, though they will likely struggle to convince him on such a transfer.

But according to  UK- based The Chronicle, Newcastle ‘are set to be offered’ the player’s signing when he searches for a new club at the end of the season.

Read Also: Van Nistelrooy leaves Man Utd

The report said the player’s representatives believe that Newcastle will be good step in the career of Osimhen after his loan spell at Galatasaray. The price tag for the striker is now 75 Million Euros after the staggering valuation of 130 Million Euros was not met by any club in the summer.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles attacker has stressed the importance of Galatasaray Sunday’s  home win over Samsunspor where he netted a brace  in a 3-2  win  just before the international break.

difficult. We got a very important victory. We played against an opponent who knows what they are doing,” Osimhen told the club’s website. “I have a lot of respect for them. They played very well. We saw why they are in these places. It was very important for us to go into the national break with a victory. Not just for the leadership. We will go to the national teams.

“It was a confidence boost for there too. When we return, we will try to win every match again. We have a team that is strong enough to win every match.”

The former Lille of France and Wolfsburg (Germany) striker also thumbed up the amazing support from Galatasaray fans and he affirmed that besides dedicating his goals to Atatürk and Mauro Icardi who suffered an ACL another group people he would like to dedicate the goals to were the amazing Galatasaray fans.

“I am very happy here. The fans are showing great love. They were extraordinary today as well. I want to dedicate today’s victory to them as well. I thank them very much,” he concluded.