Victor Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli has become increasingly tumultuous, marked by a series of dramatic twists that have left fans and management alike on edge. The Nigerian striker, who previously played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph, is now at the center of a potential transfer saga that could shape his future in football.
Calciomercato detail how at the end of 2023, Osimhen and Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, reached an agreement for a contract renewal worth €11 million per year. This arrangement was seen as a reward for Osimhen’s contributions during the championship season. However, it came with the understanding that he would be allowed to leave at the end of the season, provided a suitable offer was made. To facilitate this, Napoli inserted a release clause of €130 million into his contract.
Despite this setup, the summer transfer window passed without any major clubs meeting Napoli’s asking price. Consequently, in early September, Galatasaray stepped in and secured Osimhen on a loan deal while covering his wages. This agreement included a modified release clause set at €75 million for foreign clubs, along with an automatic extension option until June 2027 if no transfer materialized.
As Osimhen flourished in Turkey—scoring ten goals and providing three assists—his future became uncertain. Reports suggest he has expressed a desire to stay at Galatasaray until the end of the current season. This decision has reportedly infuriated De Laurentiis, who reacted by suggesting that if Osimhen wishes to remain in Turkey, he should tell Galatasaray to buy him outright.
The situation has led to speculation about Osimhen’s future beyond this season. Manchester United has been closely monitoring his situation and is eager to negotiate for his services during the January transfer window. The Premier League club is reportedly considering offering a reduced fee for Osimhen’s release clause while also potentially sacrificing other players to facilitate the deal.
As it stands, Osimhen’s future appears increasingly distant from Serie A. His impressive performances in Turkey have drawn interest from multiple clubs, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. While Galatasaray would prefer to keep him until the end of his loan term, they may be powerless if United meets Napoli’s financial demands.
