Former Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik has suggested that Victor Osimhen’s loan move to Galatasaray may not be entirely based on footballing reasons. Hamsik expressed regret over the Nigerian striker’s departure from Napoli.
Osimhen secured a season-long loan to Galatasaray after failed transfers to Chelsea and Saudi club Al Ahli on deadline day. The loan deal does not include an option to buy, and Osimhen reportedly signed a contract extension with Napoli until 2027 before the move.
After the failed transfer, Osimhen was sidelined from Napoli’s squad, and the Galatasaray move presented him with an opportunity to return to first-team action.
Napoli replaced Osimhen with Romelu Lukaku, and Hamsik praised the club’s decision. “I’m sorry Osimhen left, but it’s probably not entirely related to football,” Hamsik said. “I’m not involved in the details, but Napoli signed a great replacement. Lukaku is a top striker who can easily score 20 goals.”
Osimhen had extended his contract with Napoli in December 2026, with a reported release clause of €130 million. His transfer saga saw significant interest from top European clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, but neither deal materialized. Napoli had also accepted an €80 million offer from Al Ahli, but Osimhen hesitated to leave European football, and the deal eventually fell apart after Napoli requested an additional €5 million, frustrating the Saudi club.