Most of the biggest clubs across Europe are in the market for a central striker this Summer. One name that has been omitted from many lists is Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian still looks set for a big-money move in 2025. Transfermarkt reported that a deal between Napoli and Galatasaray has been agreed on. But the case surrounding the 26-year-old’s fall from grace after being the standout player in Napoli’s title-winning campaign in 2022-23 is fascinating. Based on his scoring feats alone, any team looking for a number nine should be breaking down the Italian club’s door to bring his talent to their club. [banner][/banner]
Osimhen’s Scoring Heroics
On the field, Osimhen has played at a high level since breaking through in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg. During his time at Napoli, he became regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. His 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances led the club to a first title in 33 years, and he was later ranked eighth in the Ballon d’Or that year.
🇬🇪🇳🇬 Kvicha Kvaratskhelia x Victor Osimhen. What a great duo this was for Napoli. 🤩🤝 pic.twitter.com/rJxCW12AeJ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 17, 2025
Unfortunately, things quickly began to fall apart between the player and the club during the following season.
Napoli Demise
The root of Osimhen’s issues can be dated back to December 2023. He signed a bumper new deal at a point when many experts believed he was looking for a way out of Naples. Antonio Conte’s arrival in June 2024 almost certainly signalled the end of the relationship. The former Chelsea boss set his sights on Romelu Lukaku to be his striker. The deal led to the Nigerian being banished from the squad and stripped of his number nine jersey.
🚨🟡🔴 Galatasaray and Napoli, at the final stages of Victor Osimhen deal after positive talks today.
Gala set to pay €40m now, €35m by the end of 2026 — also won’t be able to sell the player to Italian clubs for two years. Guarantees and sell-on clause, now as final topics. pic.twitter.com/2TrjyZ2yA6 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2025
Osimhen’s future clearly lay elsewhere, but few clubs were able to match the sky-high valuation set by the Italians. This saw moves to Chelsea, PSG, and Al-Ahli break down. Instead, a loan to Galatasaray would present itself in the Summer of 2024.
Hero Status in Turkey
A season away from Napoli worked out well for Osimhen and the Italians. Conte’s decision would be vindicated after guiding his team to the Serie A title, and the young striker showed why he could still be considered one of the best in the world. Osimhen’s 2024-25 campaign was a success in Turkey. He netted 26 goals in 27 starts, adding five assists for good measure. His scoring heroics would also continue in the Europa League, where he scored six times in seven events.
Victor Osimhen’in Galatasaray’da kalmaya karar verdiği o an pic.twitter.com/ekbwEyXaw7
— Riberio (@riberiioo) July 17, 2025
His tally of goals would see him end the campaign as the top scorer, and Galatasaray won the domestic double at a canter. His performances meant that Napoli could once again ask for a considerable fee to part ways with the African permanently.
Why Did No European Heavyweights Make a Move?
After a productive season in front of goal, Osimhen looked destined to join one of the biggest teams in Europe this term. However, despite a proven knack for finding the net, many clubs opted against a move for the Nigerian. One of the main reasons is the massive value placed on him by Napoli. Many clubs feel they can buy a younger striker with resale value for less than the €75 million demanded for Osimhen.
🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen league and European stats since 2022/23 ▶️ Appearances: 105 ⚽️ Goals: 80 ⏱️ Minutes per Goal: 104 🤷♂️ Are Europe's elite sleeping on the striker? pic.twitter.com/U9Q4sIqi9u
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 8, 2025
The 26-year-old has also faced questions surrounding his character throughout his career. Napoli fans turned on the star after seemingly downing tools to force through a move in the 2023-24 season. Acario Santos, who worked with Osimhen at an international level, told Sky Sports that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations may have also been a factor. The skilled player’s involvement in the competition would make him unavailable for his club during a busy period across January and February. However, strikers have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt to stay on top of their game. Therefore, it will come as no surprise to see Osimhen play for an elite European club again in the future. [banner_third][/banner_third]