Victor Osimhen revealed it was his plan was to remain at Napoli prior to agreeing a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray amid interest from Chelsea.
The Blues had been heavily linked with the 25-year-old and went as far as reportedly agreeing a fee with Napoli but Saudi Arabia giants Al-Ahli had also agreed terms. However, the transfer saga meant he was unable to move to either clubs as their respective windows had closed.
As a result, Osimhen completed the temporary switch to the Turkish Super Lig but there is said to be a break clause in the deal that could see the striker move on in the winter window. Speaking to the Turkish media TRT Spor, he admitted he ‘wouldn’t let anyone’ decide his future and that he planned to stay in Naples until January.
“I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and leave in January, but I think for me it was fair also to stay there because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me,” the Nigerian striker said. “It was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred.
“When I received the call from the Galatasaray coach, it was really convincing. He said what he wanted to do this season and what he wanted to achieve. I could see what he had set for himself as a man, a coach, and a father.
“I think I fit in this plan and coming to a team with already a lot of quality players with great ambition, as a footballer it was easy to come. When I came I could see how serious Galatasaray are as a club. For me it was the right decision, but also for my family and my daughter.
Meanwhile, Napoli director Mauro Meluse has not ruled out a move for the striker in the new year and admitted the club will ‘consider offers.’
“He no longer wanted to be part of the first team,” Meluso told Corriere dello Sport. “He had received an important offer even before I arrived at Napoli, but De Laurentiis didn’t consider it because he thought about the club’s good.
“He may have made wrong decisions but did them to keep Napoli competitive. It was a last-minute solution so he would not lose the first three months [of the season], then, in January, they’ll see.”
Elsewhere, TEAMtalk has indicated that Galatasaray are not planning on triggering the prospect of making Osimhen’s move permanent in the new year.
It’s claimed there is a break clause that allow clubs to sign Osimhen in January for a fee of £62.8million (€75m). It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will knock on the door this time around.
