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Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about his final months at SSC Napoli, claiming he was treated unfairly despite his key contributions to the club’s success.
Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s historic 2022/23 Serie A triumph under Luciano Spalletti, finishing as the league’s top scorer and helping the club secure its first league title in over three decades. However, his performances dipped the following season amid growing uncertainty over his future.
Although the 27-year-old signed a contract extension in December 2023, he revealed there had been a prior understanding that he would be allowed to leave the club the following summer—an agreement he claims was not honored.
“We had a gentleman’s agreement that I could move the following summer, but it wasn’t fully respected,” Osimhen said, according to Football Italia.
“They tried to push me in different directions—go here, go there. After everything I sacrificed to build my career, I couldn’t accept being treated that way. I’m not a puppet,” he added.
The Nigeria international eventually completed a €75 million permanent transfer to Galatasaray S.K., following an initial loan spell.
Osimhen also revealed that Juventus F.C. expressed serious interest in signing him in 2024. He confirmed that former Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli personally contacted him before talks with Galatasaray progressed.
“Yes, there was interest,” Osimhen said. “When Juventus come calling, you always listen. I spoke with people from the club, but I knew the Napoli president wouldn’t approve the move.”
Now thriving in Turkey, Osimhen has become a central figure for Galatasaray, registering 15 goals and three assists in 22 appearances as Okan Buruk’s side chase a fourth consecutive league title.
