As Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen considers his next move at the end of his season-long loan spell with Galatasaray, their fans are not resigning themselves to what many consider his inevitable move to one of Europe’s top clubs. Fans of the Istanbul club kicked off a hashtag on Twitter this morning, pleading with their cult hero not to leave.
Osimhen is on loan from Napoli, a move that was instigated last summer after none of Europe’s major clubs could afford the reingin Italian champions’ asking price in the region of £80m, plus the player’s wages. It was widely accepted that the price tag would come down a notch this season as the Nigerian has only one more year left on his contract. If Napoli don’t cash in now, they risk him leaving on a free transfer at the end of next season.
As a result, Osimhen, considered by most as one of the best strikers in the world, is available on the comparatively modest fee of about £60m. His form this season in Turkey, with 33 goals in 38 games, makes the price tag a bargain. Galatasaray, thanks to Osimhen, are just two wins away from the league title. The talisman for the Nigerian national team has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and there were recent reports that Juventus has tabled an €85m bid.
Osimhen, from all indications, prefers a move to the Premier League and supported Chelsea as a young boy. The man himself said: “A decision will be made at the end of the season about what will be best for everyone. Galatasaray will forever be in my heart.
“There are always rumours about me, of course, but I prefer to live in the moment.
“I am enjoying myself right now; I am enjoying both the club and my life here. The fans have also been incredibly supportive since the first day.”
Those fans are doing their utmost on social media for Osimhen to follow his heart and sign a permanent contract as their hashtag started trending on Twitter today. One fan tweeted: History writes the facts and Galatasaray writes the history. Let’s make another history with you @victorosimhen9
Another wrote: All Galatasaray fans love you, we want you to stay with us. This season, you always make us happy, Please make us happy again. @victorosimhen9
Similar messages continued: Osimhen, we understand your desire to go and make a career elsewhere. We will go to hell with you if necessary, but we want you to stay with us a little longer. Don’t go yet. #StayWithUsOsimhen
Over 500,000 tweets had been posted using the hashtag at the time of writing. Should he stay or should he go? Wages will play a big part on where he ends up. He’s also very ambitious and wants to test himself against the best.
