WATCH: Galatasaray fans welcome Victor Osimhen to Turkish Super League

After a falling out with the Serie A club and manager Antonio Conte, Napoli attacker Victor Osimhen finalised a loan deal to Turkish Super League heavyweights Galatasaray in an unexpected turn of events. With the one-year loan agreement that comes with no purchase obligation, Galatasaray will pay Osimhen's whole salary. 

Thousands of Galatasaray fans in Istanbul welcomed Victor Osimhen, who completed his loan transfer from Napoli subject to a number of conditions, well after three in the morning. Osimhen's arrival was closer to 03.30 local time than it was initially scheduled to be at 00.30. On Tuesday morning, his medical examinations will be completed, allowing him to be added to Galatasaray's Europa League roster.

🟡🔴🦁 Victor Osimhen ✖️ Galatasaray fans! pic.twitter.com/VdoRN91HF4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2024

This comes after Osimhen's rumoured headline transfer to Chelsea, a Premier League team, fell through due to an impasse over conditions between the player as well as the London team. Osimhen's release option at Napoli was also significantly lowered to €75 million as a result of the loan arrangement. In order to increase the likelihood of a future move, Osimhen, his representatives, and Napoli negotiated this crucial subject. 

Can Osimhen start for Napoli after his loan deal ends with Galatasaray?

Antonio Conte, the coach of Napoli, had often stated that Osimhen had no place in the mix for the team. The club's recent decision to make Romelu Lukaku their new number nine, thereby ending Osimhen's tenure in the squad, served as further evidence of this sentiment. 

Osimhen's contract can be extended by the club until 2027, but given their strained relationship, it seems unlikely that the Nigerian striker will stay at Napoli after his loan period. Osimhen's transfer to Galatasaray is a significant step forward for his career, although it also raises questions about his long-term future at Napoli, a team where he once stood out as a vital player. 

It's unclear at this point in the proceedings whether Osimhen and Napoli are permanently splitting up or if this loan deal is just a temporary solution. That being said, it appears doubtful that Osimhen will stay with Napoli given the state of their falling relationship.