Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke have both returned to their respective clubs to begin pre-season preparations, with the two Super Eagles stars among several Nigeria internationals easing back into club football following the conclusion of their domestic seasons.
Osimhen is expected to resume training with Galatasaray on Friday after being granted an extended break by the Turkish champions following a demanding 2025/26 campaign. The 27-year-old was absent when Galatasaray officially began pre-season earlier this week under head coach Okan Buruk, sparking fresh speculation over his future amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
However, reports indicate his absence was fully sanctioned by the club and had nothing to do with engineering a move away from Istanbul, with the striker spotted boarding a private jet on Wednesday in what appeared to be a journey back to Turkey.
Osimhen was among several senior players granted additional time off following a long domestic and international campaign, with Buruk opting to stagger the return of his key men ahead of the new season.
The Nigerian enjoyed another outstanding campaign after completing his permanent move from Napoli in the summer of 2025 in a €75m (approximately N118bn) deal that made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. He scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 22 league appearances last season, adding seven goals and three assists in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite speculation over his future towards the end of the campaign, Osimhen appeared to put the rumours to rest by publicly expressing his desire to remain at Galatasaray, and the club are expected to retain his services unless a significant offer arrives before the transfer window closes.
