The future of Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen is set for a dramatic finish as top clubs from Europe and the Middle East scramble to secure his signature, with the clock ticking and fresh twists unfolding daily.
Osimhen, who is still on holiday and due to be back at Napoli next week after a stunning loan spell at Galatasaray, is at the centre of a fierce transfer tug-of-war. Turkish champions Galatasaray, Saudi giants Al Hilal, and even Napoli themselves are all still in the race, but the 25-year-old striker has reportedly made his feelings clear: he wants to stay in Istanbul.
“Victor James Osimhen says YES to Galatasaray and wants to continue with the Turkish team,” Nigerian journalist Onyebuchi Onokala revealed on Monday.
Napoli, however, aren’t giving up without a fight. They’ve been pleading with the Super Eagles forward to reconsider, but Osimhen has made it crystal clear, he’s ready for a fresh start.
Talks between Galatasaray and Napoli are ongoing, with the Turkish club tabling an initial bid of €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons. But Napoli, who inserted a hefty €75 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract, are holding out for the full amount. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the details on Monday, adding that negotiations remain active on all fronts.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal have relaunched their bid for the striker. The Saudi club, eager to bounce back after a disappointing season, are reportedly willing to pay the full €75 million but still haven’t convinced Osimhen to make the move to the Middle East.
French newspaper L’Équipe reports that Al Hilal remain in the race but are working to overcome the lack of personal agreement with the player. The club is also weighing other options, including Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, Fenerbahçe’s Youssef En-Nesyri, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Al-Qadsiah.
Back in Italy, Napoli are still holding out hope. According to Il Mattino, new manager Antonio Conte is now open to reintegrating Osimhen into the team, and the club has reopened communication channels in recent days.
“Osimhen is still on holiday, but in the last three days, Napoli have made contact with him,” the report noted, suggesting the door is not completely shut on the Nigerian returning to the Serie A champions.
Yet, Osimhen’s desire to move on, especially after his fallout with Napoli last summer, seems firm. Galatasaray offers him not just regular football but Champions League action and the chance to be the focal point of the team, something that seems to matter more to the striker than just a big-money move.
Even with Premier League sides like Manchester United and Liverpool previously linked, Osimhen has reportedly ruled out a switch to England. According to Corriere dello Sport, he has his heart set on Galatasaray, where he feels valued and wanted.
Transfer expert Rudy Galetti echoed the sentiment, revealing that both United and Liverpool have now stepped away from the race, leaving Osimhen’s choice largely between Galatasaray and Al Hilal.
Juventus, once rumored to be in the mix, have already moved on, signing Canadian striker Jonathan David instead.
For now, Napoli are waiting. Unless a deal is sealed soon, Osimhen is expected to join pre-season training with the Serie A champions on July 15. But with negotiations heating up, the coming days could finally bring clarity to one of this summer’s most gripping transfer sagas.
