Turkish giants Galatasaray are close to completing the permanent signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen after agreeing personal terms with the forward, who enjoyed a standout loan spell with the club last season.
Fresh negotiations with Napoli are scheduled in the coming days as both clubs work toward finalising the deal. Galatasaray’s current proposal reportedly includes €40 million upfront, with an additional €35 million in structured installments. While Napoli are open to the total package, they are seeking revised payment terms and stronger bank guarantees.
Osimhen, 26, has turned down a highly lucrative €160 million offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, reaffirming his desire to continue his career in Europe. Despite interest from Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, the Super Eagles forward has prioritized a return to Istanbul.
Osimhen’s stellar campaign with Galatasaray last season—scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances—has made him a fan favorite and a key target for the Turkish champions.
Napoli, meanwhile, are eyeing a move for Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez as a possible replacement, as the Serie A side prepares for life after their talismanic striker.
The transfer saga surrounding Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen appears to be approaching its conclusion, with Galatasaray and Al Hilal leading the race for his signature amid growing speculation and time constraints.
Osimhen, currently on holiday, is expected to return to Napoli next week. Despite reports linking him to several top clubs, he has made it clear that he prefers a permanent move to Galatasaray, where he impressed during a loan spell last season by scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances.
According to Nigerian journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, Osimhen has formally expressed his intent to remain in Istanbul. “Victor James Osimhen says YES to Galatasaray,” Onokala confirmed on Monday.
While Napoli are pushing to retain the striker, sources indicate the player has reiterated his desire to leave. Galatasaray have already tabled an opening bid of €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, though Napoli are holding out for Osimhen’s €75 million release clause.
Negotiations remain ongoing, with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal also still in the mix. Despite being ready to meet the release clause, Al Hilal have yet to secure a personal agreement with Osimhen, according to L’Équipe. The club is reportedly considering alternatives including Dusan Vlahovic, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Meanwhile, Napoli are making a late attempt to reconcile with the forward. As reported by Il Mattino, club officials, including coach Antonio Conte, have re-established contact with Osimhen, exploring the possibility of reintegrating him into the squad if a transfer fails to materialise.
Despite the outreach, Osimhen’s preference remains clear. Reports from Corriere dello Sport and Rudy Galetti suggest the striker has ruled out a move to the Premier League, turning down interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, and prioritising a return to Galatasaray—attracted by guaranteed UEFA Champions League football and a key role.
With Juventus opting for Jonathan David and Premier League interest cooling, Osimhen’s options appear limited, making the Turkish champions his most likely destination. Should no agreement be reached soon, Napoli expect him back for pre-season on July 15.
Napoli have turned down Liverpool’s opening offer for Victor Osimhen, as transfer negotiations intensify for the in-demand Nigerian striker. Meanwhile, Galatasaray are making a parallel push to bring the forward back to Turkey following his prolific loan spell.
According to Italian journalist Valter De Maggio, Liverpool proposed a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa in exchange for Osimhen. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis rejected the offer, demanding both players plus an additional €20 million to meet the striker’s €75 million release clause.
“There is a strong interest from Liverpool,” De Maggio told Radio Goal. “But De Laurentiis insists on full value — €75 million — and won’t accept any discount or equal-exchange proposals.”
Liverpool, fresh off a dominant Premier League title win under new manager Arne Slot, have made Osimhen their top attacking target. The Merseyside club has already spent over €190 million this summer on five players, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, and Florian Wirtz, with Milos Kerkez expected to be confirmed soon.
Despite their heavy investment, the Reds remain keen on adding a marquee striker. They reportedly value Nunez at €60 million and Chiesa at €20 million, which they believe matches Osimhen’s valuation — a stance Napoli do not share.
Sources suggest that if talks continue, the complex deal could be structured as three separate transactions to navigate financial regulations and valuation disagreements.
Elsewhere, Galatasaray have re-entered the race for Osimhen, with head coach Okan Buruk personally calling the forward to urge a return to Istanbul. Buruk reportedly told Osimhen that joining the Super Lig champions again would be “the best decision of his career.”
Osimhen enjoyed a remarkable season in Turkey, scoring 37 goals and registering eight assists in 41 appearances as Galatasaray secured a domestic double.
The 26-year-old is also being targeted by Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, who are preparing an eye-watering three-year deal worth €160 million, which would earn Osimhen over €40 million annually. Reports claim coach Simone Inzaghi has reached out directly to persuade him.
Juventus are also monitoring the situation but would face a steeper price tag, as Osimhen’s €75 million release clause applies only to non-Italian clubs, giving Napoli leverage to demand a higher fee from Serie A rivals.
Premier League clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal have also been linked with the Nigerian star, who is reportedly taking time to evaluate all offers before making a final decision.
