Victor Osimhen was once among the world’s most sought-after strikers. His move from Napoli to Galatasaray on loan raised eyebrows, given his success in Serie A. Leading Napoli to a title in 2022-23 should have cemented his place at the club. Yet, he now finds himself in the Turkish Süper Lig, far from Europe’s top leagues.
Despite his unexpected loan, Osimhen has been nothing short of brilliant. His 19 goals and five assists in 24 games showcase his world-class ability. He has battled minor injuries, yet remains the most dominant force in Turkish football. His performances have strengthened Galatasaray’s position as league favorites. The Nigerian forward continues to prove why he was once a coveted target for Europe’s biggest clubs.
Galatasaray leads the Süper Lig but faces stiff competition from Fenerbahçe. José Mourinho’s side has been lethal in attack and equally solid in defense. Despite their resurgence, Galatasaray’s six-point advantage makes them favorites. Betting odds reflect their dominance, placing them at -500 to win the title. Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe remains a strong contender but trails at +350.
Napoli’s decision to loan Osimhen coincided with Antonio Conte’s arrival. The Italian manager has a history of reshaping squads to fit his tactical vision. Instead of keeping Osimhen, he opted for Romelu Lukaku to lead Napoli’s attack. The Belgian striker has delivered nine goals and eight assists in 25 matches. Yet, Napoli’s lead in Serie A is only by two points, showing the tight competition.
Napoli sits atop Serie A, but the title race remains intense. Inter Milan, Atalanta, Juventus, and Lazio are all within reach. Conte’s tactical adjustments have kept them in contention, but questions remain. Could Osimhen have made a bigger impact had he stayed in Italy? Napoli’s decision to replace him with Lukaku may come under scrutiny if the title slips away.
The upcoming summer will be crucial for Osimhen and Napoli. His €80 million release clause can be activated, allowing him to move permanently. This presents a dilemma for Napoli, who could lose a world-class striker for a bargain price. If he continues his goal-scoring form, Galatasaray may push to make his stay permanent. However, top European clubs will surely enter the race for his signature.
Both Napoli and Osimhen could end the season with league titles. If so, the decision to loan him out might seem justified. Yet, if Napoli falls short in Serie A and Osimhen remains dominant, the move could be criticized. The striker’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear. His ability to shine at any level makes him a player no club should overlook.