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Osimhen scores brace for Galatasaray amid reports of renewed interest from Chelsea

February 17, 2025 8:57 pm

Osimhen has 24 goal contributions -- 19 goals and five assists -- in 23 games for Galatasaray in all competitions

Victor Osmhen scored twice as Galatasaray defeated Çaykur Rizespor 2-1 in their Turkish Super Lig encounter.

The 27-year-old’s brace of headers helped Galatasaray overcome a resolute Rizespor side at the Estadio Çaykur Didi on Monday.

Galatasaray came into the game from a humiliating 4-1 loss away at AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League play-off clash.

Osimhen missed the Europa League game due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards.

On the striker’s return to Galatasaray line-up, he demonstrated the effectiveness and hunger the team lacked up front in the continental match.

Osimhen scored his first goal in the 47th minute with a powerful header into the net off the scooped cross of Przemysław Frankowski.

Rizespor equalised seven minutes later through Ali Sowe.

However, Osimhen grabbed a late winner for Galatasaray in the 86th minute. He reacted quickest to direct another header into the net after a flick-on by Mario Lemina off a corner kick.

Osimhen has made 24 goal contributions — 19 goals and five assists — in 23 games for Galatasaray since joining on loan from Napoli.

There have been reports of renewed interest from Chelsea in signing the striker after the botched deal of the previous summer transfer window.

Mikel Obi, former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder, said his former team’s “door” remains open to Osimhen.

Obi spoke on the episode of the ObiOne podcast released on Monday.

The 37-year-old added that “Chelsea has always been Osimhen’s club” and the striker might soon be heading to Stamford Bridge.

“He has come out open to say it’s his childhood club. Growing up, he’s always wanted to play for the club,” Mikel said.

“His idol is Didier Drogba. He loves the way he played. He made it pretty clear that this is a club he wants to come to. Unfortunately, we didn’t get it done last summer, but listen, you never know. I don’t think the door is shut completely.”

WATCH HIGHLIGHT OF OSIMHEN’S BRACE BELOW: