Former Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik has hinted that Victor Osimhen’s recent loan move to Galatasaray may have motivations beyond just football. Hamsik expressed his regret over the Nigerian striker’s departure from Napoli’s Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray came after failed attempts to join Chelsea and Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli on the final day of the transfer window. The loan agreement with Galatasaray does not include a purchase option, and Osimhen has extended his contract with Napoli until 2027, indicating the Italian club’s desire to keep him in the long term.
Following the collapse of his transfer to other clubs, Osimhen was sidelined from Napoli’s squad, and the move to Galatasaray offers him a chance to return to first-team action. Napoli responded by signing Romelu Lukaku, a seasoned striker who Hamsik believes will be a strong addition to the team.
“I’m sorry Osimhen left, but it’s probably not entirely related to football,” Hamsik commented on the situation. He praised Napoli’s decision to bring in Lukaku, saying, “Lukaku is a top striker and can easily score 20 goals.”
Osimhen had been a target for several top European clubs this summer, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain among those showing interest. However, both clubs were unable to finalize a deal for the 25-year-old forward.
Additionally, Al Ahli had made a substantial €80 million offer for Osimhen, but the move was complicated by the player’s hesitations about leaving European football and Napoli’s demand for an extra €5 million, which angered the Saudi club.
Osimhen, who signed a contract extension with Napoli last December with a €130 million release clause, now has a chance to prove himself at Galatasaray before potentially returning to Napoli next season.
