In a dramatic twist to the Victor Osimhen transfer saga, news emerged yesterday that the Super Eagles striker is heading to Turkiye to join Galatasaray.
This development surprised many, as the Turkish giants were not previously considered contenders in the race for Osimhen's signature.
The 25-year-old was expected to leave Napoli this summer following the extension he signed with the club last season.
However, most of the clubs interested in him, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Al-Ahli, were unable to agree terms with all involved parties.
This led to Napoli excluding their no.9 from their Serie A squad, leaving the Nigerian striker's future uncertain.
In a surprising turn of events, Galatasaray have now reached an agreement to sign Osimhen on a season-long loan.
Ilkay Gundogan ‘wowed' by Victor Osimhen transfer
This unexpected move has generated a lot of excitement and shock, with fans taking to social media to express their reactions.
German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who has Turkish roots, expressed his surprise on X (formerly Twitter) after Fabrizio Romano tweeted about the Victor Osimhen transfer to Galatasaray.
Victor Osimhen arrives Istanbul – Fans react
Several Galatasaray fans gathered at the airport to wait for the striker, staying up as late as 3 am just to welcome the Nigeria striker to the club. The club's passion is evident, and is an indication of the status Osimhen is about to enjoy by virtue of this transfer.
A few, however, are a little less high on Osimhen's prospects with the reigning Turkish champions. Being Chelsea fans, their views were almost certainly down to the London club's inability to snag the reigning CAF Player of the Year.
Nigerians had a bit to say about the Victor Osimhen transfer saga…
Whatever the justification, however, Osimhen is now very much in the eye of the storm that is Turkish club football, with this Fenerbahce fan describing him as a panic buy.
The 25 year-old will be unveiled on Tuesday and then he will fly to Nigeria to join the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
