TheNewsGuru

Tag: Victor Osimhen

  • Osimhen’s most likely transfer destination revealed

    Osimhen’s most likely transfer destination revealed

    Man United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window.

    According to The Athletic, the 26-year-old’s wage demands could see the Premier League giants look elsewhere.

    Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, was in talks with Chelsea over a move last summer but it ultimately collapsed due to his salary.

    It’s understood that the striker’s most likely destination is now Saudi Arabia, despite his fine form in Turkey.

    The Nigeria international has been key to his side’s title charge, scoring 28 goals and providing five assits in his 32 games across all competitions.

  • Transfer: It’s easy for Chelsea to get Osimhen’s deal done – Mikel Obi

    Transfer: It’s easy for Chelsea to get Osimhen’s deal done – Mikel Obi

    Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been tipped for a move to Chelsea this summer by his former international team-mate John Obi Mikel.

    Osimhen’s £63M release clause in his contract, which can be activated this summer, makes it almost certain that he will leave the club for a new challenge as several top sides are linked with a move for him. The 26-year-old has spent this season on loan at Galatasaray, scoring an impressive 26 goals in 30 matches across all competitions.

    The Nigerian international was subject to an approach from Chelsea last summer but talks broke down and he ended up going to Turkey where he has certainly found his feet. Mikel is adamant that the striker wants a move to Stamford Bridge under manager Enzo Maresca who is in need of attacking talent.

    “(Chelsea) almost got the deal done for Osimhen last summer,” Mikel told Sky Sports News. “The club wanted the player and the player wanted to come as well.

    “I know exactly where we stopped. If we have to pick it up again in the summer, it’s just pretty easy to get it done because the player really wants to come to the football club.”

    Mikel believes that Chelsea should be desperate to sign the Nigerian international if they are serious about challenging for the Premier League title which has been out of their grasp for a number of years now despite major investment.

    “If you’re talking about a striker to come in and help Chelsea Football Club, you have to talk about Alexander Isak and you have to talk about Victor Osimhen,” he continued. “For me, these are the top two strikers. If we were able to get one of those guys they would definitely help for next season in terms of being able to compete to win the Premier League.”

  • Transfer: Man Utd send scouts to watch Nigerian striker

    Transfer: Man Utd send scouts to watch Nigerian striker

    Manchester United sent scouts to watch Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray as they search for a new forward for the summer transfer window.

    The Napoli winger who netted 26 goals in 32 games during the Neapolitans’ title-winning season and was named African Player of the Year for 2023 is currently on loan with the Turkish giants who are chasing the title this season. United are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer and he could be first on their shopping list.

    Osimhen scored twice against Rizespor on Monday night to extend his club’s lead at the top of the table to six points. United sent scouts to watch the Nigerian in action as they seek a new striker despite signing Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in recent windows who have failed to make an impression so far at the club.

    The 26-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to play in England and the Premier League which led to a number of clubs to enquire about him before being put off by his £113million release clause at the time.

    “Future in the Premier League? Of course, I would like to play it one day, for now I have other plans for my career. When the time comes you will know everything.”

    If United were to bid for the impressive forward then they would have to trim down some of their current squad to make funds available so that they comply with financial rules. The club may also have to sell or loan out one of their existing strikers to make room for his arrival.

  • I’ve watched my goal against Benin like 10 times – Osimhen

    I’ve watched my goal against Benin like 10 times – Osimhen

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen on Monday disclosed that he has watched the goal he scored against Benin Republic in Saturday’s qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) like ten (10) times.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, beat the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 3-0 in the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON scheduled for Morocco.

    Ademola Lookman put Nigeria ahead after going past four defenders before placing beyond the goalkeeper. Victor Osimhen who replaced Victor Boniface in the 72nd minute, scored the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 78th minute, slicing in a well-calculated pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Lookman went on to add the third goal in the match’s closing minutes to comfortably place the Super Eagles in their group ahead of their next match on Tuesday in Kigali.

    Reacting to the goal he scored, Osimhen said: “I’ve watched that goal against Benin Republic close to like 10 times. First off, before the game, the last training before the game, me, Aina, Awoniyi and Wilfred were like doing this same practice before the game. We did it more than 10 times to be able to just do the cross inside the penalty box. For sure, we will be present there as strikers.

    “When he did the cross, Semi was also going towards the ball. If he hits it, he can score or maybe the keeper will parry the ball. But, I saw I had a clear chance than him. So, I told him in Yoruba that “filẹ, filẹ”. Filẹ means like “leave it” in Yoruba.

    “So, he understood what I meant and then left it. I was just focusing on the ball while I spoke to him. The moment he left the ball, and the ball was coming towards me, I just had to smash it. But, for sure, the moment I put it on the floor, bounced on the ground, the goalkeeper had no chance”.

    TNG reports the Super Eagles had lost 1-2 to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire in June. With the victory, the Super Eagles put a stop to their three-match winless run at home after whitewashing Sao Tome and Principe  6-0 in September 2023. They will take on hosts Rwanda in their next group game in Kigali on Tuesday.

  • Only God will judge between me and Osimhen – Finidi George

    Only God will judge between me and Osimhen – Finidi George

    Former Head Coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Finidi George has said only God will judge between him and striker Victor Osimhen. Recall that Osimhen went on a social media rant against George after he resigned as Super Eagles coach.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had hired Finidi as Head Coach of the Super Eagles but he resigned in controversial circumstance after just two competitive games in charge.

    Following his resignation, Osimhen accused Finidi of allegedly questioning his commitment to the national team, and rumours quickly went round that the NFF banned the Galatasaray forward from the national team for his social media outburst.

    After the rant, Osimhen was widely criticized on social media with top sporting figures urging him to apologize. Finidi told Nigeria Info FM that the Super Eagles striker is yet to apologise to him for the social media rant that disrespected him. He, however, noted that he has put the episode behind him.

    “I sent him a message that it was not the best way, just someone telling you that coach said that and you are talking about me like I said it in an interview. From that point I didn’t hear from him, I moved on and I wish everybody well, only God will judge,” Finidi said.

    Finidi also refused to comment on the suggestion that Osimhen should have been sanctioned with a ban from the Super Eagles.

    “I don’t know, he is there already, let him be,”he added. We cannot crucify him, he has made a mistake, we have moved on and life goes on,” he said.

    TNG reports Finidi was unveiled as coach of the Super Eagles in May following the departure of Portuguese tactician, Jose Peseiro at the end of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February. The Super Eagles drew 1-1  with South Africa at home in Finidi’s first game, followed by a shock 2-1 loss to less fancied Benin Republic in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    Finidi is currently the Head Coach of Rivers United in Nigeria’s Premier Football League (NPFL).

  • Victor Osimhen storms Super Eagles camp after Galatasaray move

    Victor Osimhen storms Super Eagles camp after Galatasaray move

    Nigeria’s striker, Victor Osimhen has arrived at the Super Eagles camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria after concluding his loan move to Turkish Super Lig side, Galatasaray.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osimhen concluded his loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray on Wednesday and landed in Uyo on Thursday.

    Recall the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had shortlisted 23 players that included Osimhen for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

    With the arrival of Osimhen, the Super Eagles camp is now complete. Captain William Ekong led from the front, arriving on Monday with the earliest birds, which included defenders Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi and Olisa Ndah.

    Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as well as forwards Ademola Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi were also part of those who arrived in camp early.

    Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi also landed earlier in Uyo, while forward Victor Boniface and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali have also joined.

    On Tuesday morning, defender Calvin Bassey and midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka pitched in. This was before defender Benjamin Tanimu (drafted in place of Bright Osayi-Samuel), midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze arrived.

    In the evening, just before the team bus pulled out of the hotel for training, defender Bruno Onyemaechi (of Portuguese club Boavista) and midfielder Raphael Onyedika (of Belgian side Club Brugge) arrived in camp.

    Forward Kelechi Iheanacho, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Osimhen are the last to arrive in camp.

    AFCON 2025: Super Eagles have what it takes to qualify – Eguavoen

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles Interim Manager, Austin Eguavoen, has said the Super Eagles have all it takes to qualify for the 2025 AFCON scheduled to hold in Morocco.

    Eguavoen who spoke with NFF TV ahead of Saturday’s 2025 AFCON qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo, said he was optimistic that the Super Eagles would scale through.

    “Nigeria is a nation, in terms of football, a lot of countries respect and the 2025 AFCON Qualifier is no different. I am very confident that we will scale through these two games and beyond.

    “We have the materials, players, personnel and support. We have everything,” he said.

    He said that there was a need to remind the players of their achievement at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, where they finished as runners-up in the tournament.

    He also called on Nigerians to rally round the team to ensure it began its campaign on a bright note.

    “The only thing we have to remind these players about is that they were almost African champions a few months ago; it’s not even up to a year yet.

    “So, what went wrong? It is still the same players. We will do everything we have to do as the technical crew and of course, the federation.

    “Nigerians will also rally round them, but they (the players) are the ones whose duty it is to turn the table around.

    “I have spoken to them and we will still be having some series of meetings before the game proper and I am very confident that they will go out there and make the nation proud,” he said.

    Eguavoen, however, cautioned that it was very important for the Super Eagles to respect every opponent in the qualifier as they were no minnows in football any more.

    “We will treat our opponents with utmost respect, no doubt about that, because in football, if you disrespect or look down on any team, then you will have problems.

    “So, we will play them with great respect, but this is our home and we have no choice but to ensure we begin our AFCON qualifying campaign with a victory on Saturday,” Eguavoen said.

    TNG reports the Super Eagles go up against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 7. The team will then fly to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on September 10.

  • Victor Osimhen breaks silence after signing for Galatasaray

    Victor Osimhen breaks silence after signing for Galatasaray

    Following a protracted deal, which saw him missing out of signing for Chelsea, Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen opened up on Wednesday after officially signing for Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osimhen, who fired his agent, Roberto Calenda and opened talks with Galatasaray all by himself, signed a loan deal with the Turkish Super Lig side, taking a break away from the Italian Serie A for one season.

    “Super excited to be part of the Galatasaray family! I can’t wait to give my all and make the most of this new journey with such an amazing group and the fans, ready to create unforgettable memories together! Let’s go,” Osimhen wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) profile.

    The 25-year-old also revealed the role played by his compatriot, Henry Onyekuru in the transfer.

    “Henry Onyekuru is my friend. He played for Galatasaray. He told me how great the club, the fans, and the people here are. So, when I heard about Galatasaray’s interest, it was an easy decision for me. I knew how big Galatasaray was, how much of a family it felt like. It has incredible fans,” Osimhen said.

    Speaking on the move of the Super Eagles star move, Galatasaray had disclosed Osimhen will be paid a net seasonal salary of 6,000,000 euros for the 2024-2025 season. The club also disclosed Osimhen requested to wear jersey number 45.

    “Our new transfer Victor Osimhen will wear the number 45 jersey in Galatasaray. An agreement has been reached with professional footballer Victor James Osimhen and his club SSCN Napoli SPA for the temporary transfer of the player free of charge. The football player will be paid a net seasonal salary of 6,000,000 euros for the 2024-2025 season. It is respectfully announced to the public,” the club disclosed via X.

    TNG reports Galatasaray claimed the championship in Turkish Super Lig in the 2023-24 season. The Lions visited Konyaspor on the final week of the season and won the match with a score of 1-3. Mauro Icardi scored twice for CimBom with a beautiful header and an unbelievable back heel finish. Berkan Kutlu scored the third goal.

    Galatasaray has solidified its position as the most title winning team in Turkish football history, a record breaking 24th time. Galatasaray has also completed 2023-24 season with a record breaking points won, collecting 102 points.

  • OFFICIAL: Victor Osimhen’s salary, jersey number at Gala revealed

    OFFICIAL: Victor Osimhen’s salary, jersey number at Gala revealed

    Napoli and Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen has officially put pen to papers with Turkish Super Lig club, Galatasaray on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osimhen was involved in protracted move away from Napoli in the 2024 summer transfer window, following a fall out with the Italian Serie A club.

    The Super Eagles striker was linked with a move to Chelsea FC and Saudi Al Ahli that never happened. Al Ahli offered Osimhen a whopping £60 million (about N141 billion) to lure him to Saudi. However, the Nigerian forward preferred to remain in Europe than to move to the Saudi Pro League.

    After all else failed, Osimhen fired his agent, Roberto Calenda and opened talks with Galatasaray by himself. Galatasaray eventually agreed deal for Osimhen move on loan from Napoli.

    No buy option, no buy obligation as Osimhen will be back to Napoli in June 2025 after one season loan with Galatasaray. He signed formal contract as Galatasaray player today.

    TNG gathered that Osimhen requested to wear jersey number 45 at Galatasaray. Osimhen has also completed his medicals

    “Our new transfer Victor Osimhen will wear the number 45 jersey in Galatasaray. An agreement has been reached with professional footballer Victor James Osimhen and his club SSCN Napoli SPA for the temporary transfer of the player free of charge.

    “The football player will be paid a net seasonal salary of 6,000,000 euros for the 2024-2025 season. It is respectfully announced to the public.,” the club disclosed via X (formerly Twitter).

  • Why Victor Osimhen deal failed – Chelsea coach

    Why Victor Osimhen deal failed – Chelsea coach

    Chelsea’s Head Coach, Enzo Maresca has given hints on why the West London football club could not secure the signature of Nigeria Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Maresca gave the hint on Sunday after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge and following the close of the summer transfer window.

    Coach Maresca hinted that the conditions given for the signature of Osimhen from Napoli were not good for the club and that Chelsea had wanted the conditions to be decided by them.

    “We want players but we want players that we decide and then the condition has to be our condition. So if the players are not here, then that means the conditions were not good for us,” he said.

    After Osimhen failed to secure a move away from Italy at the close of the transfer window, his parent club, Napoli became the only option available for the Nigerian striker.

    He has been left out of Napoli’s squad for the season and coach Antonio Conte has said no player would be reintegrated in the squad.

    “No, we will not reintegrate any player. Decisions are made, we move in that direction,” Conte said.

    Earlier, Napoli sporting director, Giovanni Manna had disclosed that Osimhen decided not to play for the club anymore since last year and that the plan between him and the club remains to part ways.

    “Osimhen decided not to play for our club anymore last year, we tried to help. So there was a negotiation but the deal did not happen. The plan on both sides remains to part ways. But I do not think he will go to Saudi anymore this summer,” Manna said.

  • TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY: See players who moved clubs

    TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY: See players who moved clubs

    On transfer deadline day, Arsenal closed in on Raheem Sterling and Manchester United signed Manuel Ugarte, while Jadon Sancho completed his move away from United to Chelsea.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the summer transfer window closed at 11 pm on Friday across Europe, seeing footballers moving from one club to the other in the last gasp.

    Here are the top deals that happened on the transfer deadline day:

    Leganes completed the deal to sign Sebastian Haller from Borussia Dortmund, while Arsenal confirmed deal done for Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.

    “Trust me. You are about to see the best of me. Joining Arsenal is really an unbelievable feeling. I am buzzing. I am repeating: this is a perfect fit for me,” Sterling said of his move to Arsenal.

    Fulham, meanwhile, confirmed signing Reiss Nelson on loan from Arsenal after Ipswich move collapsed. Armando Broja to Everton deal was completed all documents were approved. Broja’s deal is a loan with £30 million buy option clause to join Everton from Chelsea.

    Also, Gio Lo Celso returned back to Real Betis from Tottenham Hotspur. Deal was completed at the dead. Odsonne Edouard joined Leicester City on loan from Crystal Palace.

    Carlos Soler moved to West Ham from Paris Saint-Germain. Deal done on straight loan. Alvaro Morata and James Ward-Prowse are both confirmed as Nottingham Forest signings. Morata’s move to Nottingham Forest from Benfica had €17m guaranteed fee with a 15% sell-on clause, while Crystal Palace signed Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal on £25m plus £5m add-ons.

    Brazilian midfielder Andre, as well, completed the deadline day signing from Fluminense to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Robin Gosens moved to Fiorentina from Union Berlin.

    The big one is Chelsea signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United after talks with Napoli and Nigeria Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen failed. Sancho move is a loan deal.

    Similarly, Billy Gilmour moved to Napoli from Brighton and Manu Koné deal to AS Roma was completed on deadline day.

    Wilfried Zaha sealed his move to Olympique Lyonnais from Galatasaray, Arsenal signed Neto on loan from Bournemouth and Nadim Barjami moved from Sassuolo to Rangers on a permanent move. Barjami’s fee was pegged at €4m.

    Also, the swap deal between AS Roma and AC Milan for Tammy Abraham to AC Milan and Alexis Saelemaekers to AS Roma on loan scaled through on transfer deadline day.

    Nat Phillips moved to Derby County from Liverpool, Lutsharel Geertruida signed in as new RB Leipzig player, while Tudor Mendel moved to Ipswich Town from Anderlecht.

    Meanwhile, Scott McTominay moved to Napoli from Manchester United, and Napoli completed the deal to sign Billy Gilmour from Brighton.

    Maxence Lacroix moved to Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg on €21m fee, while Fábio Silva joined Las Palmas from Wolves on loan until the end of the season with no option to buy.

    Las Palmas now need to register Fábio in the next few hours and request the international certificate from Wolves.

    Nabil Fekir move to Al Jazira from Real Betis was completed as Sekou Kone joined Manchester United as the 2006-born Mali midfielder completed his move.

    Orel Mangala moved to Everton on loan from Olympique Lyon, Niko Tomasević to RB Leipzig, and Nehuen Pérez joined FC Porto from Udinese. Porto signed Pérez on loan with a mandatory buy clause.

    Jeremy Sarmiento joined Burnley from Brighton on season-long loan while Stefan Bajcetić moved to RB Salzburg on loan from Liverpool.

    Cardiff agreed deal to sign Roko Simić from RB Salzburg with €2m transfer fee, €500k add-ons and 10% sell-on clause. Wolfsburg agreed deal to sign Denis Vavro as new centre back to replace Lacroix. Agreement done on loan with buy option clause.

    Juan Bernat moved from PSG to Villarreal on loan and Reinier left Real Madrid on loan to join Granada. Enzo Barrenechea moved to Valencia on loan from Aston Villa and Djordje Petrović from Chelsea to Strasbourg deal was confirmed.

    The deal for Wesley from Corinthians to Al Nassr was completed. Aaron Ramsdale moved to Southampton from Arsenal. Mohamed Simakan completed move to Al Nassr.