The summer transfer window continues to churn with high-profile negotiations, and the future of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen remains a focal point. Reports indicate that Turkish club Galatasaray has made a renewed attempt to secure the services of the Nigerian international, submitting a formal offer to Napoli`s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The proposed package from Istanbul reportedly totaled €70 million. However, the structure of the deal presented a hurdle. Galatasaray`s offer included payment spread across five installments, accompanied by letters of credit as financial guarantees. While a substantial figure, it appears this framework did not meet Napoli`s requirements.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Napoli`s valuation of Osimhen stands firm at €75 million. Crucially, the Partenopei management is seeking a more immediate payment structure, preferably receiving the fee in a maximum of two installments, backed by robust bank guarantees rather than credit letters. This disparity in both the headline figure and the payment terms led to De Laurentiis rejecting Galatasaray`s latest overture.
The situation is further complicated by the player`s standing within the Napoli squad. Despite his undeniable talent and goal-scoring record, Osimhen is reported to be in a difficult position at the club, sometimes described as being `separated at home` – a footballing term suggesting a strained relationship or alienation from the team environment. Napoli has seemingly made the decision to sell the striker, yet finding a club willing to meet their demands, both financially and in terms of structure, has proven challenging.
Adding another layer to this intricate negotiation is Osimhen`s own reported preference. It is widely suggested that the striker is turning down potential moves to other destinations because he harbors a strong desire to return specifically to Istanbul. His previous stint at Galatasaray was marked by significant success, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. This history likely fuels his inclination for a reunion with the Cimbom.
Examining his career statistics underscores his value on the pitch. Osimhen boasts an impressive record with Napoli, finding the net 76 times in 133 appearances. His time at Galatasaray yielded 37 goals in 41 games, a striking return that clearly left a positive mark on both the player and the club. Prior to that, he scored 18 goals in 38 matches for Lille, 20 in 36 for Charleroi, and also featured for Wolfsburg. On the international stage, he has been prolific for Nigeria, with 26 goals in 41 senior caps, adding to strong scoring rates at the U23 and U17 levels.
While Galatasaray`s €70 million offer is a significant sum, the €5 million difference and, more importantly, the discrepancy in payment terms and guarantees remain points of contention. Coupled with the player`s focus solely on a move back to Istanbul, the negotiation is in a delicate state, leaving Victor Osimhen`s next destination hanging in the balance.