Victor Osimhen said Napoli blocked a move to Juventus and broke a verbal exit promise, speaking after helping Galatasaray defeat Juve 5-2 in the Champions
League. The Nigeria forward supplied two assists in that match, then detailed why relations with Napoli collapsed during and after the 2023 Scudetto season.
Osimhen explained that Juventus showed interest before Galatasaray talks started, and suggested the transfer might have happened without Napoli’s stance. Osimhen is now a key striker for the Turkish champions, yet described feeling pushed around by former employers despite believing a prior agreement allowed a controlled departure.
The 27-year-old said his 2023 contract renewal with Napoli came with a specific understanding about the future. Osimhen claimed the deal contained a verbal commitment that he could leave during the 2024 summer window, and described strong frustration when Napoli’s approach to that promise, and to possible destinations, did not match earlier discussions.
Osimhen said: "We had a gentleman's agreement according to which I could leave the following summer," he said. "But the commitment was not fully respected on the other side. They tried to send me anywhere to play, but they treated me like a dog. Go here, go there, do this, do that. I worked so hard to build my career, and I couldn't accept that kind of treatment. I'm not a puppet. "
Osimhen stated that interest from domestic rivals was concrete. "I could have been in two other top Serie A clubs today. Juve called before negotiations with Galatasaray began. I spoke with a couple of people from the club. They showed interest, but I knew that [Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis]wouldn't let me leave. In any case, the interest was definitely there. And when Juventus call, regardless of everything, you sit down and listen. "
The forward pointed to a controversial social media post from Napoli as the moment the relationship broke beyond repair. Osimhen missed a penalty during his last season, after which the club’s official account posted mocking content that Osimhen viewed as personal and offensive, especially given other players were not treated in the same manner.
He said: "Anyone can miss a penalty, and anyone can be mocked for it. Napoli did it only to me, and with certain kinds of insinuations as well. I was the victim of racist insults, and I made my decision. I wanted to leave. "
Osimhen described how events on social media deepened the split with supporters. "I deleted the photos of me wearing the Napoli shirt from my Instagram, and they took the opportunity to turn the fans against me. And to think that, for me, my daughter is more Neapolitan than Nigerian. No one ever publicly apologised for what happened. "
Rumours about dressing-room issues then circulated, which Osimhen rejected. "Meanwhile, rumours were going around that I arrived late at training, and that I argued with team-mates. They're all lies. I'm sorry for the fans, but I understand and admire them: they support the club, no matter what. For them, Napoli comes before everything. "
Otherworldly effort by Victor who had two assists, and unending energy pressing up all game long #GSJUVE pic.twitter.com/K82v5YZpK4Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) February 17, 2026
Victor Osimhen Napoli Juventus career trajectory and Galatasaray impact
Before the fallout, Osimhen had been central to Napoli’s 2023 Scudetto success, leading the attack in that title run. Later that year, Osimhen extended the contract, then moved on loan to Galatasaray in 2024, joining permanently in 2025 after establishing strong form in domestic and European competition.
Osimhen’s scoring record in Turkey and Europe underlines the move’s impact for Galatasaray and for Osimhen’s career path after leaving Italy.
| Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Average minutes per goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galatasaray | Super Lig | 46 | 35 | 100 |
| Galatasaray | Champions League | 7 | 6 | – |
Osimhen’s recent comments set out a detailed version of events around the Juventus interest, the broken gentleman’s agreement, and the social media dispute. While relations with Napoli remain strained, Osimhen continues to play a leading role for Galatasaray, especially in the Champions League, where performances against Juventus drew new attention.
