The future of star striker Victor Osimhen at Napoli appears to be reaching a decisive moment. Reports from Italy, specifically highlighted by the Corriere dello Sport under the headline “Napoli Liberated,” suggest that a breakthrough in the protracted transfer saga is imminent. The “liberation” alluded to likely signifies the potential clarity and significant financial injection that a sale could bring to the Neapolitan club.
According to the latest information, Osimhen himself has reportedly made his decision, favoring a move to Turkey. While specific club names aren`t universally confirmed in every report, the context strongly points towards Galatasaray as the primary suitor. However, securing the prolific forward is proving to be a negotiation of wills, centered around Napoli`s valuation.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, a figure renowned for his unyielding stance in transfer dealings, is reportedly holding firm. His position is clear: there will be no discounts on Osimhen`s release clause, which stands at a considerable €75 million. This clause, crucially, is set to expire this coming Thursday, adding a layer of urgency and pressure to the situation for any interested party.
Galatasaray, eager to bolster their squad, has reportedly escalated their offer for Osimhen. Their latest bid is said to be in the region of €60 million. This represents a significant figure, yet it still falls short of De Laurentiis`s €75 million threshold. The gap, while narrowed, remains the central point of contention as the deadline approaches. Whether Galatasaray is prepared to meet the full clause or if intense last-minute negotiations will bridge the remaining difference before Thursday is now the key question.
Adding another dimension, the report also reiterates that a move to Serie A rivals Juventus was never a consideration for Napoli. De Laurentiis has consistently shown reluctance to deal with domestic competitors for his top assets. Meanwhile, Juventus is said to be exploring other attacking options, including Jadon Sancho, while facing the potential departure of Randal Kolo Muani, highlighting the interconnected nature of the European transfer market.
As the clock ticks down towards Thursday, the football world watches to see if Galatasaray will meet Napoli`s asking price, thereby `liberating` the funds for Napoli and allowing Osimhen to embark on a new chapter in Turkey. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes transfer negotiation.
Ewan Marwood