Victor Osimhen has ended his long transfer saga by joining the Turkish side Galatasaray on a four-month loan deal from Napoli on Tuesday.

He becomes the sixth Nigerian to wear the Cimbom jersey.

Osimhen's transfer and his eventual departure from Italy were among the most talked-about topics during the summer transfer window.

Despite signing a new contract in December 2023, he requested to leave Napoli.

The Super Eagles striker is well-known for his immense quality since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020.

He guided the club to their first league title in over three decades, scoring 26 goals and winning the Serie A top scorer award.

Over the past three seasons, his impressive performance has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, with interest from clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Chelsea was Osimhen's preferred destination, while Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli made a lucrative offer on the last day of the transfer window.

Eventually, the 25-year-old ended up in Turkey, arriving on Monday night to a warm reception from thousands of Galatasaray fans eager to see him in the club jersey.

With his transfer situation settled until at least January, Osimhen hopes to settle down well in his new home and replicate his performance that saw Napoli emerge as champions in Italy during the 2022/23 season.

Osimhen is expected to make his debut for the Turkish giants immediately after the international break when they take on Rizespor on September 15.

He becomes the sixth Nigerian to play for Galatasaray, fondly called Cimbom.

Retired Eagles striker Dominic Iorfa was the first Nigerian to play for the club, spending just eight months there before moving to English club Peterborough in 1992.

During his time at the club, Iorfa scored three goals in nine games.

It took 26 years before another Nigerian joined the club.

In 2018, Henry Onyekuru, who is still the most successful Eagles star to have played for Galatasaray, joined from Everton.

He scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 71 appearances, winning the Turkish Super Lig and the League Cup.

Galatasaray didn't have to wait long before another Nigerian joined them, with Valentine Ozornwafor arriving from Nigeria Premier Football League club Enyimba in 2019.

Despite the hype and expectations, the defender, who was one of the best players coming out of the league at the time, failed to impress in Turkey, making just one appearance for the club in his three-year spell.

The 25-year-old spent most of his time on loan away from the club.

Both players spent just one year with Galatasaray.

While Etebo, who was on loan from Stoke City, made 29 appearances, Sekidika turned out 19 times for the club and scored a goal.

PUNCH journalist Bajela has 11 years of experience in sports reporting with a passion for investigative reports and compelling news stories.

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