'We were not open to the loan' - Napoli director lifts the lid on Osimhen's transfer to Galatasaray

Speaking in a recent interview, Napoli director Giovanni Manna lifted the lid on Victor Osimhen's move to Galatasaray.

The Super Eagles forward joined the Istanbul-based club on a loan deal just before the close of the Turkish transfer window.

The 25-year-old had made his intention clear on wanting to leave Napoli, and there was a mutual agreement for him to depart, but there was no club ready to meet the conditions for his transfer.

Al Ahli came close to signing the Nigerian star striker, but Napoli frustrated their effort while Chelsea also attempted to sign until the eleventh hour of the transfer window, but their effort was abortive.

With the arrival of Romelu Lukaku who was Antonio Conte's preferred choice to replace Osimhen, Napoli had no need to keep the latter and froze him out of the squad, making their intention clear of he's not indispensable. 

A solution was eventually found when Galatasaray proposed to sign the reigning African Men's Player of the Year on a loan deal and Napoli accepted.

In his discussion with Radio CRC via GOAL, Manna revealed that Napoli were initially reluctant to let the lanky forward on loan but were forced to do so when they received the offer from the Süper Lig giants.

"At the beginning we were not open to the loan, something that had also been discussed with other teams, but then Galatasaray came forward when the market was closed in Italy and we found a solution that was right for everyone. Obviously we would have liked to sell Osimhen".

Osimhen made his debut for the 24-time Turkish champions against Rizespor but missed the game against Gaziantep on Tuesday as he was ineligible to feature in the clash.

He is poised to make his second appearance for Galatasaray when they face José Mourinho-led Fenerbahçe tomorrow.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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