Victor Osimhen: Escaping Napoli’s shadows, yet Galatasaray feels all too familiar

The 26-year-old found himself at the center of a transfer tussle with his club and potential suitors during the 2024 summer transfer window. However, he got a season-long loan move to join the Turkish giants.

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The Nigerian star, who could also be said to have left Napoli under controversial circumstances, may now be questioning if his new environment is any safer than the one he left behind.

Osimhen’s time at Napoli was plagued by issues with management and the Neapolitan fans. The situation escalated when a now-infamous TikTok video by the club mocked him after he missed a penalty.

This incident, coupled with the disagreements with the club management, reportedly contributed to his decision to part ways with the Serie A giants, opting for a loan move to Turkey.

However, a new wave of challenges seems to be brewing since arriving at Galatasaray. Reports recently emerged from a Galatasaray journalist alleging that Osimhen punched a reporter—claims the striker has outrightly denied.

“I didn’t hit the journalists; they are lying. Why are you flashing your face, you have to ask permission for an interview. I told them they had to delete my photos. If I wanted to hit them, I would have.” he said in a video quoted by Pesindeyiz Galatasaray.

Victor Osimhen: “Gazetecilere vurmadım onlar yalan söylüyor. Neden yüzüme flaş tutuyorsunuz röportaj için izin istemeniz gerekiyor. Fotoğraflarımı silmek zorunda olduklarını söyledim. Onlara vurmak istesem yapardım.” (@EnesCevahirci)pic.twitter.com/16dJ2z45DV

— Peşindeyiz Galatasaray! (@PesindeyizApp) January 25, 2025

While Galatasaray fans may have embraced him warmly on arrival, the seeds of misinformation threaten to create unrest—a situation far too similar to what he faced in Italy.

Perhaps it’s time for Osimhen to consider an early exit from Turkey. The Premier League, regarded as the exemplar of professionalism, could offer him the safe haven he needs.