And so to Galatasaray.
The Instanbul-based club were able to swoop in where others could not because the Turkish transfer window remains open until 16 September.
On confirming the signing, external, they announced that there was no fee attached to the one-year loan deal and that Osimhen will earn 6m euros (£5m) ($6.65m) for the year, meaning that Napoli are presumably still picking up the remainder of his contract.
He will team up with former Napoli team-mate Dries Mertens and also tread the path of his football hero, Ivorian legend Didier Drogba, who spent a season with Galatasaray and has been known to offer advice to his protege.
“It is a big club and plays European football every year, and they have very passionate fans,” said Odemwingie.
“There is a lot of pressure to play for big Turkish clubs.
“Victor now has to earn respect there of the fans and earn a big move next.”
That move could come in January, with a mid-season break clause inserted in deal, should one of European football’s super clubs come knocking in January.
Ironically, ahead of the move, there will be an extension to his Napoli contract, with the Neapolitans again looking to prevent Osimhen’s price dropping next summer when he will have just one year left on his deal.
Verri agrees that the most likely way forward is for Osimhen to perform well in Turkey and for Napoli to “accept a lower fee” for him at the end of the season.
“Fans will only be happy if he left,” he outlined. “No one can see Osimhen anymore in Naples.”
For Odemwingie, the Galatasaray move is also important for Nigeria’s international hopes.
“Victor is a key player and a leader,” he said. “It’s important he is match fit and happy.
“In my days, seeing big names got me excited and I had more belief we can win big games.
“I hope he can have peace in his heart and enjoy playing football.”
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Source link : https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c1d7y6x6qxvo
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Publish date : 2024-09-04 16:40:42
