Udinese’s technical director, Gökhan İnler, has offered an unusual peek behind the curtain of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis’ personality while confirming Victor Osimhen’s possible switch to Galatasaray, www.isagoal.com reports.
İnler spoke about Osimhen’s preference, revealing the Nigerian forward has long shown a strong desire to join Galatasaray.
According to Turkish outlet habersarikirmizi, İnler told HT Spor that the Istanbul-based club is closing in on a deal to bring the striker back on a permanent basis.
“Victor Osimhen always wanted to play for Galatasaray,” İnler shared during the interview. “If they pull this off, it’s a major signing—I hope it gets done soon.”
Osimhen, 26, had a dominant campaign while on loan last season, scoring 37 goals and delivering eight assists, helping Galatasaray lift both the league and the Domestic Cup.
İnler also recalled his own peculiar introduction to Napoli’s leadership during his 2011 move from Udinese.
“Aurelio De Laurentiis doesn’t back off—he made me wear a lion mask at the contract signing,” he said. “I didn’t want to, but he insisted.”
Napoli and Galatasaray are said to have reached terms on the deal, though payment security tied to Osimhen’s release clause remains a sticking point.
Galatasaray are pushing to wrap up the deal quickly before the 2025/26 season kicks off.
This article was updated 4 weeks ago