The Nigerian forward joined the Turkish club on loan in early September after being sidelined at Napoli, where former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte took over following a disappointing defense of their Serie A title.
Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli's Scudetto victory in 2023 and was anticipated to be transferred during the last summer window; however, no clubs met his hefty release clause of 130 million euros ($142 million). Instead, he opted for a season-long loan to Galatasaray, which does not include a permanent transfer option at the end of the term.
As he contemplates his future beyond this season, the 25-year-old is focused on making the most of his time in Turkey, away from the spotlight of Europe’s elite leagues.
Galatasaray was unable to secure a place in the Champions League after being eliminated by Young Boys over two legs in August, thus entering the Europa League instead.
Osimhen has participated in home victories against PAOK from Greece and Sweden's Elfsborg, but he missed an away draw with Latvia's RFS due to injury. He has yet to score in European competitions, with Mauro Icardi, the former Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward, leading the team with six goals this season.
Following him are Turkish internationals Yunus Akgun and Baris Yilmaz, each contributing five goals for Okan Buruk’s squad. Osimhen has found the net four times, all in his last three domestic league matches, including a decisive goal in a home derby against Besiktas on October 28.
His exuberant celebration after scoring, which included removing his signature protective face mask and joyfully running towards the corner flag, indicates his deep commitment to the Galatasaray team.
Osimhen has already participated in a significant match, the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce, who are currently managed by Jose Mourinho. Mourinho is another notable recent addition to Turkish football, joining the ranks alongside another former Tottenham coach, Conte.
Having faced Osimhen during his tenure at Roma in Italy, Mourinho attempted to provoke the Nigerian forward ahead of their encounter on September 21 by accusing him of diving. "We have a very good relationship, but every time I play against him, I talk to him because I disapprove of his behavior. He dives too often," Mourinho reportedly stated in a television interview with Turkish media.
In the attack, Osimhen has teamed up with Icardi, but during the match against Fenerbahce, he took the lead as Galatasaray secured a 3-1 victory over their fierce rivals on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
The upcoming match against Tottenham presents another significant challenge for Osimhen and his team, as a win would elevate them above Spurs in the Europa League standings. Galatasaray's roster also includes Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi, and former Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez, making this encounter the most formidable test yet for Ange Postecoglou’s squad in this season’s competition.