Super Eagles attacker Victor Osimhen has credited Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk as the key figure behind his loan move from Napoli to the Turkish giants, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen’s potential transfer from Napoli dominated the 2024 summer transfer window, with the Gli Azzurri, his representatives, and interested clubs failing to reach a final agreement.
Eventually securing a loan move to Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker revealed that Buruk’s influence was pivotal in his decision to join the Super Lig champions for the remainder of the season.
“Okan Buruk is the key to my transfer. I was incredibly impressed when I spoke to him,” the Super Eagles talisman said, as quoted by A Spor.
The loan deal, which sees Osimhen join Galatasaray for four months, comes after a turbulent summer for the striker. Despite strong links with a move away from Napoli, including interest from Chelsea, Osimhen’s anticipated transfer fell through, resulting in unresolved tensions with Napoli that saw him sidelined from the first-team squad.
Although the initial arrangement with Galatasaray is for four months, Osimhen’s quick adjustment to life in Turkey has sparked speculation that the loan could be extended to a year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is reportedly still pushing to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge in January, with a potential transfer fee of €90 million on the table.