Why ‘humble’ Osimhen is thriving at Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray took many by surprise, especially given his prominence as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. After a turbulent summer of transfer rumors, the 25-year-old Nigerian forward, who had been linked with top clubs in the Premier League, La Liga, and even a move to Saudi Arabia, found himself unexpectedly signing a year-long loan deal with the Turkish giants just days before the transfer window closed.

Assistant manager Ismael Garcia Gomez reflects on the quick deal, admitting that even they were caught off guard by how swiftly everything came together. “It was amazing for the club and the fans,” says Garcia Gomez. “Osimhen was super motivated to join, and it was simple to make the deal happen.”

Osimhen’s meteoric rise came after a remarkable 2022-23 season with Napoli, where he scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches, helping the club secure the league title. However, things turned sour the following season. Tensions with Napoli’s owner Aurelio de Laurentiis, a team in disarray with frequent managerial changes, and a controversial social media situation soured relations. By the summer of 2024, Osimhen had fallen out of favor and was not assigned a squad number for the new season, as Napoli signed Romelu Lukaku as a replacement. A loan move seemed the most practical solution.

Despite his struggles with Napoli, Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray, one of the biggest clubs in Turkey, came as a surprise to many. The Turkish club, however, provided a unique opportunity. Football journalist Kaan Bayazit explains that while clubs in the Premier League offered massive wages, Osimhen chose to join Galatasaray for its ambition and competitive stature, not just money. “You go for ambition or a big paycheck. Osimhen clearly wanted to stay at the top,” Bayazit says. Galatasaray are 24-time Turkish champions and have won the last two Super Lig titles, boasting a squad filled with star players like Mauro Icardi, Hakim Ziyech, and Davinson Sánchez.

Osimhen’s approach to the move was one of humility. According to Garcia Gomez, he did not arrive expecting the team to adapt to him; rather, he focused on integrating into the squad. “He was humble and hard-working. He didn’t come in as a star, but as someone eager to contribute to the team,” Garcia Gomez adds.

This attitude has worked wonders. After a quiet start, Osimhen has found his rhythm, scoring four goals in his last three league appearances. His success has also been facilitated by Galatasaray’s tactical adjustments under head coach Okan Buruk. “They’ve played around him, adapting formations like the 3-5-2 in certain games,” Bayazit explains. The 3-5-2 formation was a change from the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setups previously used, and it allowed Osimhen to flourish as a central figure. In his debut against Besiktas, Osimhen scored the match-winning goal as Galatasaray triumphed 2-1 despite conceding possession.

However, not all transitions have been smooth. Against Kasimpasa, Osimhen netted twice in the first half before being substituted with a muscle strain, and his absence saw Galatasaray drop points after a 3-3 draw. Despite this, the team’s early results indicate that Osimhen’s addition has been a successful one, as the Turkish side sits three points clear at the top of the Super Lig.

Part of Osimhen’s success in Turkey is rooted in cultural similarities. Garcia Gomez points out that Osimhen comes from southern Italy, which shares many cultural aspects with Turkey. “He’s familiar with the passion of this region. He was a key part of Napoli’s Scudetto, and now he’s joining a winning club. It makes the transition smoother,” he says.

Looking ahead, there are questions about Osimhen’s long-term future at Galatasaray. Despite his success, rumors about his next move persist. Osimhen has a hefty €130 million release clause at Napoli, and there’s speculation about a potential break clause in his loan deal, allowing him to move on as soon as January. He continues to be linked with clubs across Europe, including Tottenham, which Galatasaray will face in the Europa League.

Galatasaray faces financial and squad balance considerations in keeping Osimhen beyond this season. Bayazit points out that Osimhen’s €50 million transfer fee may be too steep for the club, especially given that Galatasaray’s record signing is midfielder Gabriel Sara, bought for €18 million last summer. “They already have Mauro Icardi, and they need to focus on other positions,” he adds. Additionally, the Turkish league’s fluctuating TV rights and the Turkish lira’s volatility make financial planning tricky.

Despite the uncertainties, Garcia Gomez remains optimistic, saying, “Hopefully, our relationship with Osimhen remains strong. But we must focus on the present and enjoy the success he brings to the team.”

In the end, Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray has been a win-win for both player and club, with the striker bringing his top-level talent to a team that values his work ethic and ability to shine on the field. While his long-term future remains up in the air, for now, Osimhen is thriving in his new home.