It was an easy decision to accept Galatasaray –Osimhen

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has said it was an easy decision to join Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli.

He becomes the sixth Nigerian to wear the club’s colours.

Chelsea made a late push to sign the striker on Deadline Day but failed to reach an agreement over his wage demands.

Arsenal also showed interest, along with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. However, Osimhen turned down the Saudi offer, and Ivan Toney eventually filled the spot at Al-Ahli, leaving the 25-year-old striker in a period of uncertainty.

• Osimhen secures N10.6bn annual salary with Galatasaray
• ‘It feels good being here’, Osimhen speaks on Galatasaray move

Napoli’s historic Serie A title victory in 2023, new manager Antonio Conte made it clear Osimhen was not part of his plans after the player submitted a transfer request.

Galatasaray seized the opportunity to secure his services in a high-profile loan move, though the deal reportedly includes a break clause that could be activated during the January transfer window.

Speaking to the club’s official website about the move, Osimhen said: “When I heard of the interest from Galatasaray, it was a very easy decision for me.

“I knew how big Galatasaray was and how much like a family it was, and it had incredible fans.

“Henry (Onyekuru) is my friend and he played for Galatasaray before and is still a fan. He told me how wonderful the people here are, so it was an easy decision for me.”

Osimhen is expected to make his debut for the Turkish giants immediately after the international break when they take on Rizespor on September 15.