Osimhen Reveals Near-Move To Juventus Before Galatasaray Switch

Victor Osimhen has disclosed that he was on the verge of joining Serie A heavyweights Juventus last summer, prior to his permanent transfer to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The Nigeria international, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Galatasaray, played a pivotal role in securing their third consecutive league title. Despite his impressive form, Juventus made a concerted effort to sign the striker before his move to Turkey was finalised.

“Before negotiations with Galatasaray began, Giuntoli (then Juventus Sporting Director) called me to bring me to Juve,” Osimhen informed Gazzetta dello Sport. “I spoke to some people at the club, and the interest was there and it was concrete. When a club like Juventus calls you, you have to sit down and listen, regardless of your past.”

However, Osimhen acknowledged that Napoli were unwilling to sanction a move to a direct Serie A rival. “I knew he [Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis] would never let me leave for a direct rival. Napoli didn’t want to sell me to Italy; they treated me in a way that hurt me, but that’s football too.”

Reports suggest that Juventus have reignited their interest in the 27-year-old forward.