Mauro Icardi blocks Victor Osimhen’s January exit amid interest from four clubs

Turkis Super Lig giants, Galatasaray is set to reshape their transfer strategy following the season-ending injury of Mauro Icardi, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Argentine forward picked up a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his right knee which would which has turned Galatasaray’s option to the Nigeria attacker, Victor Osimhen.

The Super Lig forward, who is currently on loan from Napoli is making a positive impact in Turkey, recently delivering a brace against Tottenham Hotspur in a Europa League showdown.

With six goals and four assists in just eight matches, the Nigerian star is turning heads across Europe and attracting offers from major clubs.

However, Icardi’s absence has forced Galatasaray to re-evaluate any mid-season departures, especially for their newly minted star striker, Osimhen.

The Yellow-Reds now sees Osimhen as irreplaceable for the remainder of the season, even as Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan are reportedly preparing bids to trigger his £75 million release clause.

Despite the mounting interest, Osimhen has pledged his loyalty to Galatasaray with the aim of staying till the end of the season.

“They are talking about January. I am here until the end of the season,” he told Nexus Sports. “I don’t know what Galatasaray and Napoli are discussing after that… This is a club I really like.”

With Icardi sidelined and the stakes higher than ever, Galatasaray is likely to hold firm with the star striker till the former Paris Saint-Germain forward recovers.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.