After weeks of intense negotiations, Napoli are still stalling on approving Victor Osimhen’s permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray — despite the club matching his €75 million release clause. The Serie A champions have now added fresh demands that could derail the deal entirely.
A Deal That Won’t Close – Even with the Money on the Table
On July 7, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen reportedly agreed to a lucrative three-year contract with Galatasaray, worth €16 million per season. This signaled the start of serious talks between Napoli and the Turkish champions.
But since then, it’s been nothing but a frustrating back-and-forth.
Galatasaray’s initial offers of €55 million and €60 million were rejected outright. Napoli stood firm: they would only sell Osimhen if his full €75 million release clause was met.
Eventually, Galatasaray agreed to pay the full amount — but in five instalments, not as an upfront lump sum. Napoli rejected that structure too, prompting Galatasaray to return with a revised offer:
- €40 million upfront
- €35 million in two instalments (by 2027)
- Backed by a bank guarantee
Still, Napoli said no. Their condition? They want most of the money paid upfront and refuse any staggered payments that go beyond 2026.
Napoli’s Ever-Changing Goalpost
A new report from Spanish outlet AS reveals the situation is even more complicated than it seems.
Each time Galatasaray meets one demand, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis allegedly adds a new clause to the deal. Sources claim the latest requirement is for Galatasaray to accept a:
- 20% sell-on clause, and
- A strict condition that Osimhen will not be sold to any Italian club for the next 3 years.
Galatasaray reluctantly accepted the non-Italy clause. But the sell-on demand? That was too far. The Turkish side considers it “outrageous,” especially for a player they are paying €75 million for — in full.
If things don’t change, Galatasaray may file a complaint to FIFA, arguing that Napoli are placing unfair restrictions that do not exist in Osimhen’s contract.
Saudi Option Still Alive
Meanwhile, Napoli appear to be quietly pushing for a deal with Saudi club Al-Hilal, who are still interested in signing Osimhen. The oil-rich side are ready to pay his €75 million clause in full and had previously tabled a jaw-dropping €45 million-per-year salary to the Nigerian striker.
So far, Osimhen has not shown public interest in the Saudi option, but the deadlock with Galatasaray might force a rethink.
Frustration Inside Galatasaray
Tensions are rising in Istanbul. Galatasaray’s president, Dursun Ozbek, is said to be furious with the club’s sporting director, Abdullah Kavukcu, for not closing the deal.
“I gave you everything you asked for. You asked for €75 million, and I gave you that too. You still haven’t finalised the transfer,”
Ozbek reportedly shouted in frustration, according to Nexus Sports.
“Absolutely finalise Osimhen. There’s no turning back now.”
Ighalo’s Advice: “Chase the Bag, Then Return to Europe”
In a separate development, former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has advised Osimhen to consider moving to Saudi Arabia instead of Turkey.
“Go collect the money,” Ighalo reportedly said. “Two years in Saudi, then come back to Europe. Easy.”
As of now, Osimhen remains a Napoli player, but the tension is boiling. With Napoli refusing to budge, Galatasaray threatening FIFA action, and Saudi clubs waiting in the wings, this transfer saga is far from over.
A major update is expected in the coming days. Will Osimhen finally get his move — or will Napoli shut the door once again?
