Awaiting market developments, the club will summon the striker back from his Galatasaray loan. He is required to report in Trentino on July 17.
Victor Osimhen currently finds himself in a state of uncertainty regarding his future, yet living this life seems effortless for him. He can either be flattered by incredible offers or simply relax on vacation, oblivious to what`s next. What difference does it make for someone who didn`t bat an eye at proposals between €30 and €40 million, if in two weeks he`ll be waiting for his phone to ring while jogging between Dimaro-Folgarida and Castel di Sangro? Osimhen`s name is synonymous with €75 million, a figure that would be a windfall for anyone, including Napoli, after all the past difficulties have faded. But the reality is glittering and now forces everyone to make decisions.
What`s the Situation?
The situation has been clear for a while, ever since the relationship soured after the 2023 Scudetto victory under Luciano Spalletti. The summer of 2023 involved hot months of pursuing an elusive agreement, driving back and forth between training camps. This led to a high salary of €11 million gross, which burdens the club`s finances, despite needing to protect the player`s value. A last-minute loan in September 2024 to Galatasaray was necessary to prevent his talent from stagnating and avoid wasting his athleticism in old disputes. Napoli ultimately let go, and Osi went to Galatasaray to win and score.
And Now?
His time in Naples seems finished; only dreamers would believe the fractured relationship can be quickly rebuilt. But Osimhen remains, he cost €49 million cash, and his value is clear through the €75 million release clause valid only for foreign clubs; for Italian clubs, a free negotiation would involve significantly higher figures. Napoli has had interested buyers for months; Al-Hilal would have transferred the funds immediately if the Nigerian had agreed. But players are not all the same, and VO9 opposed a move to Saudi Arabia and consequently the Club World Cup, choosing to stay where he pleases. The discussions will resume. His loan at Galatasaray, who would have gone to great lengths to keep him, expires tomorrow. So, the situation reverts to the past standard: will he go, will he not, let`s see what happens. Al-Hilal has never closed the door and will reconnect with Napoli, perhaps seeking installment payments or not, but will discuss acquiring the striker whom Simone Inzaghi (rightly) admires. The €75 million figure remains, and it`s uncertain how much the player himself will demand.
Uncertainty
But the problem is elsewhere: what to do in the meantime? First point: Napoli must and will call him up, as per regulations and common sense, and will wait for the 2022-23 top scorer to say yes this time. Otherwise, as an alternative hypothesis, a gentleman`s agreement would be needed to avoid potentially awkward encounters and allow Osimhen to train separately. In any case, Napoli already has its plan: they will send the certified email inviting Osimhen to be at Castel Volturno on the 14th or 15th for medical tests; and then, with his teammates, travel to Trentino, this time without the need to discuss renewals that are not to be celebrated. Meanwhile, there is a hope shared by everyone: that a buyer emerges capable of persuading Osimhen enough to convince him to start over elsewhere, immediately. Because remaining as `separated at home` would not be pleasant.
