Many football fans around the world are waiting for the Victor Osimhen Galatasaray debut, after the Nigeria international striker joined the Turkish Super Lig team on loan from Napoli.
He could make his first appearance for Gala when they play Rizespor at home on Saturday 14 September, a date which supporters will be eagerly pencilling in their diaries.
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How did Osimhen end up at Galatasaray?
It seems a peculiar move for a player of Osimhen's quality to move from Serie A to the Super Lig, especially when moves to the likes of Premier League giants Chelsea and the mega-rich Saudi Pro League were being touted. However, the 25-year-old needed to leave Naples in any way possible after being frozen out by his manager Antonio Conte.
While a lucrative move to Al-Ahli was agreed last Friday, personal terms could not be finalised, and so Osimhen was left in limbo. Chelsea also made a late move for the forward, but did not want to pay his monstrous £113m release clause nor his £200,000-per-week wages.
It was understood that the Blues could have sold Romelu Lukaku to Napoli as a makeweight to get Osimhen, but while the Belgian made the move, the Nigerian stayed in Naples until Galatasaray came calling. With the Turkish summer transfer window still open, they agreed on a loan deal for the forward.
What number will Osimhen wear for Galatasaray?
Osimhen will wear the number 45 shirt for Galatasaray. He chose this number because it was what he wore during a successful loan spell at Belgian Pro League side Charleroi, after previously struggling at parent club VfL Wolfsburg. Osimhen is hoping that the new number will bring him some good fortune once more.
Who will Osimhen play alongside on his Galatasaray debut?
There are some star-studded names that Osimhen will play alongside should he make his Galatasaray debut against Rizespor, including the likes of Dries Mertens and Hakim Ziyech. Unfortunately, Mauro Icardi is currently injured, so Osimhen will have to wait before playing with his new strike partner.
With maximum points from their opening three Super Lig games, Galatasaray will be going into the Rizespor clash with confidence, and so Osimhen should expect to yield plenty of chances should he play.
Turkish midfielder Kerem Akturcoglu is currently Gala's leading assister in the division, with two so far. Kerem Demirbay and Michy Batshuayi also have an assist to their names and could add to their totals should Osimhen secure a dream debut with a goal.
Will Osimhen win on his debut?
Galatasaray are currently 23/100 to win at home to Rizespor with bookmakers, so Osimhen should be expected to get off to the perfect start with his new team. In terms of H2Hs, Gala are currently on a four-game winning streak against Rizespor and have scored three or more goals in three of those.
Before losing 1-0 to bitter rivals Fenerbahce in May, Galatasaray were on an incredible 21-match winning home run in the Super Lig, showing that their home form can be trusted. A comfortable home victory with a -2 handicap at 8/5 odds with bookmakers seems like a safe bet here.
