Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen arrived at Instanbul airport to a warm welcome from thousands of Galatasaray fans who were drumming and chanting his name, despite the early hour of 3:30 am. The Nigerian striker, who recently completed a loan move from Napoli, was greeted with cheers and chants as fans sang his name.
Osimhen’s arrival was highly anticipated, with fans waiting all night to catch a glimpse of him. The warm reception marked the beginning of his loan move, which was completed after the European transfer window closed.
The 25-year-old will undergo medical tests on Tuesday morning before joining Galatasaray’s Europa League squad. The Turkish side will cover his €10 million salary, with a break clause in January for top clubs.
Victor Osimhen anticipates Galatasaray fans chanting his name when he scores for the club at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium.
Speaking to the fans, the Super Eagles player expressed excitement about the transfer, adding that “I am ready to give my best for them”.
“This is one of the best sets of fans in the world. It feels good to be here, and I am absolutely excited”, he said.
“Of course, I cannot wait to see them in the stadium, and I hear how they scream when I score. I am ready to give my best for them”.
See the Video below;
If he's happy we are happy pic.twitter.com/tStgzR8JX7
— Sucre Papi 🐺 (@thatmadridboy) September 3, 2024
Galatasaray reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Osimhen on loan on Monday.
The Turkish club are expected to pay the full salary of the Osimhen during the loan spell. However, they are not obligated to buy the striker once the season ends.
Before agreeing to the deal, Osimhen negotiated that Napoli scale down his release clause from €130 million to €75 million. The new clause will prove less cumbersome for clubs seeking to acquire the Nigerian’s service in future transfer windows.
The loan deal will end a summer-long transfer saga that had led to Napoli axing Osimhen from its squad for the season.
Although Chelsea and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli initially wanted to sign the striker, the deals fell through.
Osimhen is expected to complete his medical at the club, and an official announcement will follow in the next few hours.
