'Did not want to go to Saudi Arabia' - Galatasaray assistant coach makes big claim about Osimhen

Galatasaray assistant coach Ismael Garcia Gomez has shed light on the circumstances surrounding Victor Osimhen's transfer to the Turkish giants in September. 

Gomez claims that Osimhen rejected a transfer to an unnamed club in Saudi Arabia and a move to Chelsea fell through before joining Galatasaray. 

The 25-year-old's transfer to Galatasaray has proven to be a masterstroke, with the Nigerian striker scoring eight goals and providing four assists in nine games across all competitions. 

Gomez''s comments have sparked significant interest, particularly in light of Osimhen's outstanding performances for Galatasaray. 

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has quickly become a fan favorite, and his goals have helped the team maintain their title challenge in the Trendyol Süper Lig.

Speaking to Marca via Turkish outlet Fotomac, Gomez revealed: "Osimhen did not want to go to Saudi Arabia and his transfer to Chelsea did not happen either. If he had stayed in Napoli, he would have trained alone and would not have been able to play.

"It may have seemed like we had no options, but suddenly we saw that this transfer was very possible. 

"They told us about this possibility before the Adana Demirspor match and when we returned to the airport, just before take-off, our technical director Okan Buruk had a video call with Osimhen. 

"From that moment on, everything was concluded very quickly."

Gomez also highlighted the factors that convinced Osimhen to join Galatasaray, saying: "We were one of the few teams that offered him the option to compete for titles and play in Europe. 

"Victor also values the fact that football in Istanbul is experienced 100% like in Naples."

Osimhen, who became Nigeria's second-highest goalscorer in history after netting the equalizer against the Republic of Benin last week, is expected to lead the charge for Galatasaray as they seek to defend their league title in the absence of star striker Mauro Icardi.

Ejim Kaycee

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com