Victor Osimhen stuck in limbo as Napoli block transfer to Galatasaray

Negotiations for Victor Osimhen’s permanent transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray have hit a major roadblock, with the Italian club refusing to finalise the deal due to a lack of required financial guarantees from the Turkish side. 

Despite Osimhen agreeing personal terms and Galatasaray matching the €75 million release clause, Napoli remains firm on receiving full payment upfront, stalling the transfer amid ongoing talks.

Galatasaray have reportedly agreed to pay Osimhen’s full €75 million release clause and offered the Nigerian striker a lucrative four-year contract reportedly worth around £14 million per season. 

The Turkish champions are keen to make the deal permanent after Osimhen’s sensational loan spell last season, where he scored 37 goals and helped secure the Turkish league and cup double.

However, Napoli, now under Antonio Conte, has refused to accept Galatasaray’s proposal to pay the fee in five installments. 

The Italian club insists on immediate full payment before releasing the striker. According to DiMarzio, Napoli’s stance is partly driven by Osimhen’s contract entering its final year and the club’s unwillingness to risk losing him for free next summer. 

Napoli’s president and management are also reluctant to meet Osimhen’s high salary demands if he remains at the club.

The stalled negotiations have left Osimhen in a state of limbo. The striker is reportedly refusing to return to Napoli’s pre-season training, seeking to force through the transfer to Galatasaray. 

The Turkish club’s vice-president recently traveled to Italy to advance talks, but the absence of the necessary bank guarantees has blocked the operation.

Osimhen’s desire to stay in Istanbul is clear, having turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and failed to attract concrete interest from Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. 

With the July 15 deadline for the release clause approaching, the coming days are critical for resolving the impasse and determining the Nigerian forward’s next destination.