Victor Osimhen confirms official transfer talks

Victor Osimhen has confirmed that Juventus wanted to sign him on a permanent deal before his move to Galatasaray.

The Nigeria international was heavily linked with a number of top European clubs last summer, including Chelsea and Manchester United, but he eventually joined Galatasaray for a fee of €75 million following a successful loan spell with the Turkish giants.

However, Osimhen has now revealed that Juventus were in discussions over a deal before his move to Istanbul.

Speaking to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League clash against Juventus, Osimhen admitted: “Yes, just as I could be at two other top Serie A clubs today. Before negotiations with Galatasaray began, [Cristiano] Giuntoli called me to bring me to Juve.

“I spoke to a couple of people at the club, and they showed interest, but I knew he [Aurelio De Laurentiis] wouldn’t let me go. In any case, the interest was definitely there. And when Juve calls you, regardless of everything, you have to sit down and listen.”

Despite this, a move to the Allianz Stadium never transpired and Osimhen has instead solidified his reputation as a world class striker at Galatasaray.

Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray

The Nigeria superstar has scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 22 matches across all competitions so far this season and despite playing in the Turkish Super Lig, he believes he is one of the best strikers in world football.

“I know I’m among the best centre forwards around. If I’m not number one, I’m number two. Or, at worst, number three,” Osimhen admitted to Gazzetta dello Sport.

After missing out on Osimhen’s signature last summer, Juventus instead finalised deals for Lois Openda and Jonathan David, but they have both flopped since their arrivals in Turin.

The former has scored a measly two goals in 29 games for Luciano Spalletti’s side, while the latter has only found the back of the net on seven occasions in 34 appearances following his Bosman move from Lille.

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