“A top club” – Victor Osimhen reveals how De Laurentiis stopped him from joining European giants

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has admitted that Juventus tried to sign him in 2024, but the deal fell through, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Osimhen surprised the world when he made the switch from Napoli to Galatasaray two years ago. At the time, he had already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, and it was expected that he would move to a major club in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

​In 2024, he was linked with virtually every top club in Europe. Even Saudi Arabian sides were not left out, as they were eager to secure his services.

However, Napoli proved to be the stumbling block, holding out for the entire summer transfer window. When the window finally closed in the top leagues, Osimhen was left in a difficult position, as Napoli had already excluded him from their plans for the season.

​Eventually, he joined Galatasaray on loan. Then, last summer, he joined them permanently in what became the biggest transfer deal in the history of Turkish football.

Victor Osimhen joins Galatasaray in blockbuster move 🇳🇬🦁 pic.twitter.com/MYjPZPx2sb

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) July 31, 2025

​In a recent interview, Osimhen opened up about the transfer saga, revealing that the Partenopeans treated him with a lack of regard.

He also stated that Juventus were seriously interested in acquiring his services at the time and that he was willing to go, but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis refused to sanction the transfer.

​”I could be at two other top Serie A clubs today. Before negotiations with Galatasaray began, Giuntoli called me to bring me to Juve,” Osimhen told CDS.

​”I spoke to a couple of people at the club, and they showed interest, but I knew he (De Laurentiis) wouldn’t let me go. In any case, the interest was definitely there. And when Juve calls you, regardless of everything, you have to sit down and listen.”

​Victor Osimhen Doing Big Things Now at Galatasaray

​All of that transfer drama is now in the past for Victor Osimhen. He has settled in well at Galatasaray and is adored by the fans. He has been producing goals in abundance and already guided the team to the Turkish Süper Lig and Turkish Cup titles last season.

​This season, he will be looking to achieve even more. The Cimbom continue to dominate the Turkish top flight, currently sitting at the summit of the league.

They also remain in the UEFA Champions League, where they could reach the round of 16 for the first time in 12 years if they manage to defeat Juventus.

​Nonetheless, Osimhen may still harbor hopes of returning to one of the top five leagues. Given his quality, many feel it would be a dent in his legacy if the Super Eagles star does not eventually return to a major European giant.