Victor Osimhen has broken his silence over his summer transfer plans by dropping a major announcement that is set to leave fans of one club disappointed.
Osimhen continues to be heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League, where Chelsea and Manchester United are thought to be vying over his signature, while interest also comes from Arsenal and Liverpool.
Juventus also hold a serious interest in the forward, although given that his €75 million release clause does not apply to Serie A clubs, the Bianconeri are not coming into this transfer race in a position of strength.
The 26-year-old has spent the last season in Turkey with Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after a string of possible deals fell through last summer, but he has now announced that he will not have another campaign with the Istanbul club.
Osimhen said: “Galatasaray will always be in my heart.
“There are always rumours about me, I think about the present. I am enjoying this moment; the fans always support me. At the right time, the best decision for everyone will be made.”
Osimhen will leave Galatasaray
The Nigeria international is treated as a king in Turkey, but his stay is set to be ended in a matter of weeks due to financial reasons.
Galatasaray are believed to be in a position in which they could raise the €75m to meet Osimhen’s release clause, yet it is his salary demand of €11m per year that is beyond the Super Lig club, barring an unexpected miracle.
Vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu is hopeful that his club will be able to pull off just such a miracle. “His words don’t mean he’s leaving,” he told AS. “He said that even if he left in the worst-case scenario, Galatasaray would always be in his heart. But he didn’t say he’s leaving. We want him to stay with us.”
Osimhen has been impressive for Gala, scoring 21 goals in 24 Super Lig appearances and acting as the major catalyst as the club moves towards another domestic title. They are presently three points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce at the top of the table.
