The transfer saga of Victor Osimhen has reached a critical juncture. While clubs like Galatasaray eye the Nigerian striker, Napoli has made it clear that only the activation of his €75 million release clause will sanction the move.
In Istanbul, efforts to persuade Osimhen to join began at the season’s end, with offers of a lucrative €16 million annual salary. After careful consideration during his vacation, the striker verbally agreed to the move, but Napoli maintains that the release clause must be met in full.
Currently, only Al-Hilal is willing to match the fee in its entirety.
Galatasaray’s previous bids of €50-60 million fell short. If the transfer isn’t finalized before the team’s training camp from July 15-17, Osimhen will be recalled for pre-season preparations, potentially triggering an automatic contract extension to 2027. Napoli’s management is adamant: “Osimhen is an extraordinary center-forward—we refuse to sell him at a devalued price.”
Turkish media speculate local sponsors may pool funds for the transfer, but no agreement has been reached, leaving the deal in limbo.
Should Osimhen depart, Napoli plans to reinforce the attack, likely pairing Romelu Lukaku with a new partner. Top target Darwin Núñez (26, Uruguay international at Liverpool) carries a €60 million price tag and demands €5.5 million annually, though the club deems the cost prohibitive. Alternatives include Udinese’s 24-year-old Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca (€40 million, over budget) and a preliminary inquiry into Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. Osimhen’s future directly dictates Napoli’s summer transfer strategy executives are monitoring developments closely, prepared to retain him if no ideal deal materializes.
