Victor Osimhen, the wantaway striker from Napoli, has finally secured his desired exit—though it wasn’t the move he had anticipated or even imagined. Heading into the summer transfer window, the Nigerian forward was one of the most sought-after talents in Europe, with his name linked to some of the biggest clubs on the continent.
Despite the intense interest, Osimhen’s hefty price tag of €130 million and a demanding salary of €11 million per season proved to be significant obstacles. Most clubs, even those with deep pockets, found it challenging to meet the financial demands of both Napoli and the player himself.
Negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli were particularly intense but ultimately failed to yield any agreement.
As the deadline day approached in Europe’s major leagues, Osimhen remained on Napoli’s roster, trapped in a situation where his relationship with the club had deteriorated severely.
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However, in a shocking twist of events, Osimhen has now found an escape route—albeit not the one he might have envisioned. Turkish football giants Galatasaray swooped in at the last minute, securing Osimhen on a season-long loan.
This move came as a surprise to many, given the stature of the player and the clubs previously linked with him. Galatasaray agreed to cover the majority of Osimhen’s substantial wages, and Napoli, eager to offload the unsettled striker, quickly agreed to the deal, even if only on a temporary basis.
Osimhen himself had initially been reluctant to make the move to Turkey, but after fresh rounds of negotiations with Napoli, he ultimately gave his consent.
As part of the arrangement, Napoli included a one-year club option in his contract, which helps to protect his market value in the event of a potential sale in 2025.
Crucially, the release clause in Osimhen’s contract was also reduced from €130 million to a more attainable €75 million—a significant concession that could facilitate a future transfer.
Another important aspect of the deal is the break clause included in his loan contract with Galatasaray. This clause allows Osimhen the option to return to Napoli in January, should a more suitable offer from another club materialize during the winter transfer window.
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However, the likelihood of a big-money move in January remains uncertain, as clubs are often reluctant to make major transfers mid-season.
For the time being, Osimhen’s tumultuous chapter with Napoli seems to be on hold, but his summer transfer saga was far from what anyone had expected.
As he embarks on this unexpected stint in Istanbul, the football world will be watching closely to see how this surprising turn of events plays out—and whether the Nigerian star will make yet another move when the January window opens.
To say that this summer did not go as planned for Victor Osimhen would be an understatement, but in football, surprises are always around the corner, and this latest twist in his career is proof of that.