Galatasaray close on shock Victor Osimhen loan deal.

Galatasaray have reached a provisional agreement with Napoli for a one-year loan deal involving striker Victor Osimhen, according to recent reports.

The 25-year-old forward, who was a significant target for Chelsea throughout the summer transfer window, found himself at the center of transfer speculation. Despite Chelsea offloading Romelu Lukaku and other players, they were unable to convince Osimhen to join their team, leading to the collapse of the proposed move to Stamford Bridge due to differences over the new incentivized wage structure.

After the transfer window closed, Napoli took the step of stripping Osimhen of his number 9 shirt and officially excluding him from their Serie A squad. Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, confirmed that Osimhen would not be reintegrated into Antonio Conte’s plans.

Facing the possibility of remaining on the sidelines until January, Napoli has now engaged in discussions with Galatasaray regarding a one-year loan deal for Osimhen. Manna told Sports Digitale, “Our discussions with Galatasaray regarding Osimhen are progressing well, and we are nearing an agreement.” Fabrizio Romano also reports that a broad agreement on the deal has been reached.

Italian media indicate that Osimhen has approved the proposed loan arrangement, which would see Galatasaray cover the entirety of his wages for the 2024/25 season. Final details are still being negotiated before the deal is finalized.

Once an agreement is signed, Osimhen will need to undergo a medical with Galatasaray. The Turkish club already boasts players like Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi, and Hakim Ziyech, making Osimhen’s potential move one of the standout transfers of the summer if completed.

Saudi Pro League team Al Ahli had also expressed interest in acquiring Osimhen but ultimately signed Brentford striker Ivan Toney instead, filling their final available slot for foreign players.