Victor Osimhen admits he wanted to join Juventus before moving to Galatasaray, citing Napoli’s refusal to facilitate the Serie A transfer

Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray forward, has revealed that he initially hoped to join Juventus before eventually signing for the Turkish Super Lig club. The disclosure came in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday, February 17, 2026.

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Osimhen explained that while Juventus expressed a strong interest in signing him, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis was unwilling to authorise the transfer.

“I had the opportunity to join Juventus, yes,” he said, reflecting on his career ambitions ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash against Juventus on Tuesday.

The Nigerian international confirmed that Juventus remains a top-tier club. “Juve wanted to sign me… but Napoli president De Laurentiis didn’t want to sell me to Juventus. For sure, Juventus are a top club. When Juventus calls you, you listen,” Osimhen stated.

Eventually, Osimhen moved to Galatasaray on an initial loan before the transfer was made permanent in the following season.

The striker’s reflections underscore the complexities of top-level football transfers and the influence of club management decisions on player careers.

Also read: Barcelona step up €80m chase for Victor Osimhen

Osimhen continues to prepare for the Champions League fixture, aiming to make a decisive impact for Galatasaray while reflecting on the missed opportunity to play in Serie A.