Osimhen excited for Napoli reunion in Istanbul with Galatasaray | OneFootball

Victor Osimhen has revealed that he spoke to his former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens before deciding to move to Galatasaray on loan for the 2024-25 season, and spoke of his excitement of linking up with his old Partenopei colleague again.

Osimhen excited to get going with Galatasaray

The Nigeria international arrived in Istanbul on Monday night, met by a rapturous reception at the airport, despite getting in at around 3 in the morning local time.

He will spend the 2024-25 season on loan with Galatasaray after seeing a permanent move away from Napoli fall through on deadline day. Osimhen had been in talks with both Al-Ahli and Chelsea, but a deal was not completed with either.

As he would have remained exiled from the Napoli first team had he stayed put at the Stadio Maradona, a swift agreement was made with Galatasaray, who are expected to cover the player’s wages for season.

The 25-year-old, in good spirits upon his arrival in Turkey, was keen to interact with fans and get the chants going in the airport’s arrivals area.

He also spoke to local media, telling them about his excitement of playing with Mertens once again.

“The atmosphere is incredible. It’s great to be here and to see Mertens again. I spoke to him before coming here,” Osimhen said, via Corriere dello Sport.