Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray number revealed: It's not 99

Posted : 04 September 2024

Victor Osimhen’s eagerly awaited transition from Napoli to Galatasaray is nearing official confirmation, with the Nigerian striker already assigned his new shirt number.

Osimhen, who has garnered significant attention across Europe for his performances, is poised to start a new journey in Turkey following a turbulent summer transfer period.

The forward is set to join Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal and was warmly welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic fans upon his arrival in Istanbul. This move is crucial for Osimhen, who faced potential sidelining at Napoli after a summer filled with uncertainties.

Ahead of the formal announcement, Galatasaray has begun marketing Osimhen’s jerseys, with the club’s online store revealing that he will wear the number 45 shirt for the Turkish champions. This is a notable departure from the number 9 shirt he wore at Napoli, where he was the team’s leading scorer.

Contrary to some reports suggesting he might wear the number 99, Osimhen’s choice of number 45 represents a significant change. Romelu Lukaku, who recently joined Napoli, is expected to take over Osimhen’s former number 9 shirt.

Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray concludes a transfer window marked by numerous developments. He was strongly linked with Al Ahli and Chelsea, with Al Ahli reportedly having a £67.3 million offer accepted by Napoli, but the deal fell through. Chelsea also failed to meet his salary demands, which led to his exclusion from Napoli’s Serie A squad for the first half of the season.

Galatasaray's intervention with a loan offer and an agreement to cover his €10 million annual salary has provided a solution. The Turkish transfer window remains open until September 13, allowing Galatasaray to finalize the acquisition of the prolific striker.

Osimhen has negotiated a break clause in his Galatasaray contract, allowing him to leave if ten specific clubs make an offer in January. Furthermore, he has requested a reduction in his release clause from €130 million to €75 million, potentially facilitating a permanent move in the future.

Since joining Napoli in a record £65.6 million transfer in 2020, Osimhen has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances, including 31 goals in the 2022/23 season, and played a key role in securing the Serie A title for the club.

Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray number revealed: It's not 99

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