Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Victor Osimhen, Napoli, Football, Transfers
Ryan Smart
Napoli star Victor Osimhen is in talks over a shock move away after the Italian transfer window closed, it has been reported.
There was interest from the Saudi Pro League and Chelsea in the 24-year-old on Friday, but neither move materialised.
Al Ahli had agreed terms with Napoli and the player over a deal, but they opted to sign Ivan Toney to fill their final foreign player slot after a late disagreement with the Italian club.
On Saturday, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Napoli had exiled him from the squad and that he would not be registered in Antonio Conte's final Serie A squad.
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Osimhen, who was expected to be sold by Napoli in the summer, therefore faced the very real prospect of not playing competitive football until January.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport described the situation as 'chaos', with the 2022/23 Serie A Golden Boot winner - who was valued at £200 million by his club last year - now finding his career at a shock crossroads.
Napoli's failure to qualify for European football at all this season, as well as their reportedly precarious finances, means that they have desperately been trying to sell the Nigeria star.
Both parties have now been offered a solution - albeit one that not many would have predicted.
According to Gianluca DiMarzio, Osimhen is in negotiations with Galatasaray over a move to the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions
It is claimed that the Turkish giants are working on a loan deal for Osimhen, who they hope will be able to pair up with former Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi as part of a two-striker formation.
The move has been accelerated due to an injury suffered by Icardi. Galatasaray have until September 13 - the Turkish summer window deadline - to complete the deal.
Italy's window closed on August 30, meaning Napoli can't replace Osimhen. However, his exclusion from their squad indicates that the 2022/23 Serie A champions were planning on life without the forward regardless.