Galatasaray secures Osimhen's interest, but Napoli's $88.3M asking price hinders the transfer negotiation
In the world of football, the fate of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is currently uncertain, with two major clubs vying for his signature. After a tense season in Naples, Osimhen visited Istanbul, a trip that potentially influenced his preference for Turkish side Galatasaray. However, Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal has renewed talks with Napoli to sign the striker, presenting a formidable challenge for Galatasaray.
Al-Hilal's financial capability seems to be the key factor in their pursuit of Osimhen. With a reported willingness to meet Napoli's €75 million release clause, the Saudi club appears to be the front-runner in securing Osimhen's signature. This development comes after Osimhen spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, who want to keep him permanently but face tough competition from Al-Hilal.
Galatasaray has not given up on their pursuit, offering Osimhen a lucrative salary of €16 million per year. However, the main obstacle in Osimhen's transfer to Galatasaray is Napoli's €75 million release clause, a figure that the Turkish club must meet to secure the striker's services.
Meanwhile, Juventus is also monitoring Osimhen's situation as part of their long-term plans for a striker. Manchester United and Liverpool appear to have been ruled out, with Osimhen reportedly having agreed to terms with Galatasaray, though the transfer remains uncertain due to Al-Hilal's financial muscle.
As the new season approaches, the next few days are expected to be decisive in finalizing Osimhen’s destination. Osimhen himself has expressed his desire to continue his career in Turkey, having found peace and joy during his visit to Istanbul. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is unwilling to entertain any discount for Osimhen, demanding the full €75 million release clause.
Despite the challenges, Osimhen accepted Galatasaray's offer after considering his options. The ball is now in Napoli's court, and the coming days will reveal whether Osimhen's future lies in Turkey or Saudi Arabia.
1) Despite Galatasaray's offer of a lucrative €16 million per year salary, the Turkish club is facing tough competition from Al-Hilal, who are prepared to meet Napoli's €75 million release clause for Victor Osimhen.
2) Victor Osimhen spent last season on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, and after his visit to Istanbul, he expressed his desire to continue his career in Turkey.
3) Following Osimhen's stint in Naples and his potential interest in Turkish football, various European teams like Juventus have shown interest in the Nigerian striker, but he appears to have agreed to terms with Galatasaray, though Al-Hilal's financial muscle presents a formidable challenge for the Turkish side in securing his signature.
