Victor Osimhen has chosen the number 45 jersey at Galatasaray after completing a season-long loan move to the Turkish champions from Italian club Napoli.

According to Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Osimhen specifically requested the number 45 jersey because it was the same number he wore at Royal Charleroi, which he believes brings him good luck.

Osimhen’s success story in Europe began at the Belgian club Charleroi after struggling during his first stint at VfL Wolfsburg. He scored 20 goals in 36 games at Charleroi, which earned him a move to Lille.

During his season at the French Ligue 1 club, he scored 13 league goals before the season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. His 13-goal tally that season was second only to Neymar’s 18 at Paris Saint-Germain.

His impressive performance at Lille led to a blockbuster move to Napoli, with the Neapolitans paying a hefty €81 million transfer fee. Osimhen made a significant impact in Italy, helping Napoli win the Serie A title in 2023.

Osimhen nearly secured a move away from Estadio Diego Armando Maradona Stadium before the top five European leagues’ transfer deadline day on August 30, 2024.

He was in negotiations with Chelsea until the final minutes, but both parties couldn’t agree on salary terms. According to Tutto Napoli, the Nigerian striker ultimately chose the number 45 jersey at Galatasaray, contrary to speculation that he would wear number 99, which is permissible in the Super Lig.

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