Victor Osimhen’s summer transfer saga has taken a dramatic turn as the Napoli striker is poised to join Galatasaray on loan. The Nigerian international arrived in Istanbul late last night to finalize the deal, which materialized rapidly over the past 24 hours.
Deal Structure and Negotiations
Calciomercato report how Galatasaray, who recently lost Mauro Icardi to injury, moved swiftly to secure Osimhen’s services. The Turkish club agreed to meet the player’s salary demands, which stand at €11 million net per season. Napoli, eager to resolve the situation, agreed to loan out Osimhen without a transfer fee.
The final hurdle was Osimhen’s approval, which led to some last-minute adjustments in the deal’s terms. Napoli has agreed to lower Osimhen’s release clause from €130 million to €75 million, with an additional clause allowing for a potential January move if top clubs express interest.
Napoli’s Perspective
For Napoli, this loan solves a significant dressing room issue and provides temporary relief from Osimhen’s substantial wages. The club had already excluded him from their Serie A squad list, signaling a clear intent to part ways.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has been unequivocal about the situation, stating there would be no reintegration of players left out of the squad. The club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has shown resolve in handling the matter, prioritizing team cohesion over potential financial losses.
Contract Details
As part of the agreement, Napoli has secured an option to automatically extend Osimhen’s contract until 2027 if they fail to sell him by June 2025. This extension would maintain his current salary and include an €80 million release clause.
Player’s Enthusiasm
Despite the late-night arrival, Osimhen received a warm welcome from Galatasaray fans in Istanbul. He expressed his excitement about joining the club, praising the atmosphere and fan base.
Reunion with Mertens
Osimhen also mentioned his anticipation of reuniting with former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens, now at Galatasaray. “Mertens is a great guy. It’s wonderful to be reunited with him. I spoke with him before coming, and it will be great to meet again,” Osimhen told the Turkish media.
The striker is set to undergo a medical examination and sign his contract in time to be registered for Galatasaray’s Europa League campaign, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
