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Osimhen picks Galatasaray, but $88.3M Napoli price stalls transfer

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray gestures during the Turkish Super Lig week 28 football match between Galatasaray and Onvo Antalyaspor at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye on March 14, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray gestures during the Turkish Super Lig week 28 football match between Galatasaray and Onvo Antalyaspor at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye on March 14, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 06, 2025 01:29 PM GMT+03:00

After months of speculation surrounding his future, Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly made his decision regarding next season—and it points to Turkiye; however, Napoli has refused to lower its 75 million ($88.33 million) asking price for Victor Osimhen.

According to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, the Napoli forward has expressed his desire to continue his career in Türkiye, with reigning Super Lig champions Galatasaray identified as his preferred destination.

Transfer talks underway

Negotiations between Galatasaray and Napoli have begun, but the Serie A club is reportedly demanding the full release clause for the 25-year-old striker, set at 75 million ($88.33 million).

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is said to be unwilling to entertain any discount.

Unless an agreement is reached, Osimhen is expected to report to Napoli’s pre-season training camp in Trentino, which begins on July 17.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray greets the fans gathered at Yenikapi Event Area to celebrate their team’s 2024-2025 Turkish Super Lig championship in Istanbul, Turkiye on May 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray greets the fans gathered at Yenikapi Event Area to celebrate their team’s 2024-2025 Turkish Super Lig championship in Istanbul, Turkiye on May 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

Osimhen turns down 160M ($188.44 million) from Al-Hilal

One of the key reasons behind Osimhen’s preference for Galatasaray, the report claims, is his desire to remain in European football. The striker is said to have rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal, which included a 3+1-year deal worth a total of 160 million ($188.44 million).

Victor Osimhen celebrates his goal during the Trendyol Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Net Global Sivasspor at Rams Park on May 3, 2025. (AA Photo)
Victor Osimhen celebrates his goal during the Trendyol Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Net Global Sivasspor at Rams Park on May 3, 2025. (AA Photo)

Step-by-step: The Osimhen saga

Corriere dello Sport outlined the transfer saga in a series of bullet points:

  • After a tense season in Naples, Osimhen found peace and joy during a visit to Istanbul.
  • Galatasaray began their pursuit of the Nigerian immediately after the season ended.
  • The Istanbul club reportedly offered Osimhen a salary of 16 million ($18.84 million) per year.
  • The forward took time off in Nigeria to consider his options before ultimately saying “yes” to Galatasaray.
  • However, the main obstacle remains Napoli’s asking price.

Galatasaray will now have to meet the full 75 million ($88.33 million) release clause if they hope to secure the striker's services ahead of the new season.

July 06, 2025 01:29 PM GMT+03:00
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