Victor Osimhen has dismissed talk that he is about to leave Galatasaray, after comments that suggested an imminent move from Nigeria manager Eric Chelle.
The 27-year-old made a surprise move from Napoli to Galatasaray in the summer of 2024, initially on loan for a season before making his switch permanent last summer.
The striker has been prolific for the Turkish club, scoring 41 times in 52 league appearances and 59 in 74 across all competitions.
Gala have won four Super Lig titles on the spin, two since Osimhen’s arrival, with the forward also lifting the Turkish Cup last year.
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Osimhen is under contract in Istanbul until 2029 but Nigeria head coach Chelle appeared to drop a bombshell on his star striker’s future.
Chelle was pointing out that both Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Poland, suggesting that the Galatasaray’s absence was due to an imminent transfer.
‘We will miss two players because Victor Osimhen, he had maybe to change a club, so I prefer that he stays, because if you play and you are not at hundred percent, this is not good,’ said Chelle.
‘And Lookman is very tired, and Atletico has asked us to let him, so we will travel with 18 players.’
Osimhen has clarified these comments since, asking people to disregard them, although confirming that there is no problem between him and his international boss.
‘Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion,’ Osimhen posted on Instagram.
‘He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.
‘I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.
‘He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.’
Osimhen has been linked with a string of top European clubs in the past, especially in the summer he left Napoli, when a switch to Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea appeared likely before a surprise move to Türkiye.
Manchester United have now been touted as an interested party in the 51-cap Nigeria international.
ESPN also note Arsenal, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid as clubs that would be keen to bring him in.