Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has seen a significant surge in his social media following after his transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray was confirmed.
The 25-year-old forward, who moved on a season-long loan from Napoli, has quickly gained over 100,000 new Instagram followers within 24 hours of the announcement.
Galatasaray confirmed the loan deal with Napoli on their official social media pages, which sparked an immediate reaction among fans. Osimhen, who was already one of the most followed Nigerian footballers, saw his Instagram followers jump from 4.4 million to 4.5 million in less than a day. This rapid growth further highlights his influence as one of Africa’s most prominent football stars.
The loan move comes after a dramatic transfer saga that saw Osimhen nearly join Chelsea on deadline day. However, the deal collapsed, and the striker opted to continue his career in Europe rather than accept a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. The offer, which was reportedly worth a staggering €30 million per year, would have made Osimhen one of the highest-paid players globally.
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Despite the setback with Napoli, where he was excluded from Antonio Conte’s plans for the 2024/25 season, Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray offers him a fresh start. The Turkish club, known for its passionate fanbase, is likely to provide the Nigerian international with a platform to further elevate his career.
Osimhen’s decision to stay in Europe, despite the financial allure of the Middle East, has garnered mixed reactions from football pundits and fans. However, his growing social media presence indicates that his popularity continues to rise, reinforcing his status as a global football icon.
As Osimhen prepares to make his mark in the Turkish Süper Lig, his growing follower count serves as a testament to his enduring appeal and the excitement surrounding his future performances with Galatasaray.