Victor Osimhen Nears Permanent Move To Galatasaray As Napoli Talks Intensify.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is on the verge of a sensational permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, with personal terms agreed for a contract until June 2028. The 26-year-old, who dazzled during a loan spell at the club last season, has given his unequivocal approval to continue his career in Istanbul, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. However, the deal’s completion now hinges on negotiations between Galatasaray and Osimhen’s parent club, Napoli, as the two sides navigate a complex financial landscape.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record €80 million, played a pivotal role in their 2022-23 Serie A title triumph, scoring 26 goals to become the league’s top scorer. His scintillating form continued in Turkey, where he netted an astonishing 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances during his 2024-25 loan stint, helping Galatasaray secure the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup. His record-breaking season, which saw him surpass Mario Jardel’s long-standing mark of 34 goals by a foreign player in Turkey, cemented his status as a fan favourite at Rams Park.
The latest developments follow Galatasaray’s initial €55 million bid, which included €5 million in add-ons, to secure Osimhen’s services permanently. Napoli, however, are holding firm, demanding the full €75 million release clause in the striker’s contract, a figure matched by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Despite the lucrative offer from Al Hilal, Osimhen has expressed a clear preference to remain in Europe, with his heart set on continuing his journey with Galatasaray, where he feels a deep connection with the club and its passionate supporters. “He was convinced by the project Galatasaray are building,” said Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, who is close to the player.
The negotiations have taken a dramatic turn, with posts on X indicating that Napoli rejected an improved €60 million offer from Galatasaray, insisting on better payment terms and the full release clause for clubs outside Italy. Meanwhile, Osimhen’s desire to stay in Turkey has seen him turn down interest from several European heavyweights, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea, who were all linked with the prolific forward. His decision underscores his happiness in Istanbul, where he has thrived both on and off the pitch.
Galatasaray, buoyed by strong sponsor backing, remain optimistic about striking a deal, though their reluctance to meet the €75 million clause has led to intense discussions with Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, known for his hardline stance in transfer talks. The Turkish club’s latest proposal, rumoured to be around €65 million with bonuses, falls short of Napoli’s valuation, but sources suggest they may yet find a compromise to avoid losing Osimhen to rivals like Al Hilal.
If the transfer is finalised, it would mark one of the most significant deals in Turkish football history, surpassing Galatasaray’s previous record signing of Gabriel Sara for €18 million. For Osimhen, a return to Galatasaray offers the chance to build on his remarkable legacy, potentially elevating the club’s ambitions in European competitions. As talks continue, fans in Istanbul are eagerly awaiting confirmation that their talismanic striker will remain a Lion, ready to roar in the Super Lig and beyond.
