Victor Osimhen has decisively dismissed any speculation linking him to a January transfer to Chelsea, reaffirming his commitment to Galatasaray until the end of his loan from Napoli.
The 25-year-old striker’s announcement comes on the heels of his remarkable performances in the Turkish Super Lig, where he has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s surge to the top of the league standings.
After scoring his fourth goal in Galatasaray’s 2-1 triumph over Besiktas in the Istanbul Derby, Osimhen told Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, “Yes, I am here,” when asked if he planned to stay for the second half of the season. This simple, yet firm response puts an end to swirling rumors and leaves Chelsea, who had shown heavy interest in him during the summer, in a wait-and-see position until at least the summer transfer window.
Osimhen’s impact at Galatasaray has been undeniable. Since joining the club on loan from Napoli in September, the Nigerian forward has scored in three consecutive league games, including a stunning overhead kick against Antalyaspor last weekend. This form has not only helped to fortify Galatasaray’s position at the top of the Super Lig standings but has also sparked excitement among fans and club officials alike, who view him as a critical piece in their title ambitions.
While Chelsea remains keen on securing a high-scoring striker, Osimhen’s decision to stay with Galatasaray underscores his focus on current objectives rather than future prospects.
Chelsea’s search for a reliable goal-scorer has continued, with Nicolas Jackson showing signs of improvement but the club still in need of a striker capable of consistently delivering 20+ goals a season. Chelsea legends like John Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba have publicly endorsed Osimhen as the solution, yet the Blues will now need to seek other options until Osimhen becomes available.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk will undoubtedly be relieved to retain his star forward. Osimhen’s four goals and four assists in just six appearances have solidified Galatasaray’s lead in the league, with a six-point gap above second-placed Samsunspor.
His chemistry with teammates like Gabriel Sara, who provided the assist for Osimhen’s latest goal against Besiktas, has turned Galatasaray into a formidable attacking force.
Chelsea may still hope for Osimhen to make the move to Stamford Bridge in the future, but for now, the striker’s sights are set firmly on leading Galatasaray to their first Super Lig title since 2019, marking a pivotal chapter in his career. With each goal, Osimhen continues to build his legacy in Turkish football and heighten his value for when Chelsea or another club revisits the idea of bringing him to one of Europe’s top leagues.