Victor Osimhen is reportedly closer than ever to making a permanent move to Galatasaray. Following a highly successful season where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances (referencing a past prolific spell, likely at Napoli, not a Gala loan), the wealthy Istanbul club is actively working to sign the Nigerian forward on a definitive basis. An agreement on personal terms is said to have been reached, offering a contract potentially more lucrative than his current €12 million per year deal at Napoli, which runs until June 30th. Sources in Turkey suggest a potential deal worth €16 million annually, plus additional income from commercial agreements.
Galatasaray is currently in negotiations with Napoli. The release clause for Osimhen is set at €75 million. Napoli has rejected Galatasaray`s initial offers of €55 million and €60 million, considering them too low and the payment terms unsatisfactory. Napoli`s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is pushing for a higher offer and aims to conclude the deal swiftly, partly because there are very few other concrete options for the player. Aside from Galatasaray, only Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal is mentioned, but Osimhen is reportedly unwilling to move to Saudi Arabia.
At 26, Osimhen is arguably entering the prime of his playing career. His impressive goal tally, such as the 37 goals in one season, underscores his capability as a top-tier centre-forward. Yet, despite anticipation, he has not received concrete offers surpassing those from Galatasaray and Al-Hilal. Notably absent is significant interest from the Premier League, widely considered the most competitive and financially powerful league globally, where the Napoli-owned player was reportedly eager to play. However, even for top English clubs, the overall cost of acquiring Osimhen is deemed excessive: the €75 million transfer fee coupled with a substantial net salary (beginning at €12 million per season, potentially rising with a new contract). This total package is seen as too expensive not just for some Italian clubs but also for major Premier League teams like Manchester United or Arsenal.
For perspective, Arsenal is reportedly finalizing the acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres for approximately €75 million. However, according to recent reports from Portuguese media, the Swedish striker`s net salary in London is expected to be slightly over €8 million annually – roughly half the wage package Galatasaray is reportedly ready to offer Osimhen.
