Victor Osimhen, now preparing to face Juventus in the Champions League with Galatasaray, has revealed that he came close to joining the Turin giants in the past. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian striker shared behind-the-scenes details of how a move to Juventus nearly happened — only to be stopped before it could materialize.
Osimhen explained that Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who had previously brought him to Napoli, contacted him in an effort to reunite at the Bianconeri. “Giuntoli called me to bring me to Juventus,” Osimhen said. “I spoke with a couple of people from the club — they were interested, but I knew that *he* wouldn’t let me go.” Though Osimhen did not mention him by name, it was clear he was referring to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who was determined to keep the striker in Naples at the time.
Osimhen admitted that the idea of wearing the Juventus shirt tempted him. “When Juventus calls, no matter what, you have to sit and listen,” he said, reflecting on the talks before ultimately signing with Galatasaray instead. The episode adds another “sliding door” moment to Osimhen’s career — one that could have changed the landscape of Serie A had the transfer gone through.
The striker also spoke about his relationship with former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, under whom he won the Serie A title. “People said we argued, but that wasn’t true,” Osimhen clarified. “I respect him a lot. He worked day and night at the training center to make us believe we could win the Scudetto. He pushed players like Kim, Anguissa, Kvaratskhelia, and me to reach our best form. He demanded a lot, but he gave even more. Some coaches help you grow first as a man, then as a player.”
