Italian powerhouse Napoli have turned down a €65m bid from Galatasaray for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, According to PUNCH Sports Extra.
As per Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, the Turkish club made an attempt to make Osimhen’s temporary stay permanent but failed to meet his €75m release clause.
The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Galatasaray until the season’s conclusion, with no obligation to purchase included in the deal. However, the Turkish side holds an upper hand in discussions due to a compensation clause embedded in the agreement.
If Osimhen secures a transfer to another club during the January window, Galatasaray is entitled to a €6m compensation fee, effectively increasing his buyout clause to €81m for other interested teams this winter.
This unique stipulation grants Galatasaray the sole opportunity to sign him for €75m before the season ends, whereas other clubs will have to meet the same amount in the summer transfer window.
Initially, Napoli had placed a €130m release clause on Osimhen, but this figure was revised last summer when he inked a fresh contract with the Serie A club before heading to Turkey.
The Nigerian international has been in sensational form for the Turkish Super Lig leaders, scoring 16 goals and assisting five times in 20 outings since his arrival on loan.
In December, Osimhen reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray, stating, “I will not depart in January; I am here until the season ends. I am unaware of what Napoli and Galatasaray are discussing regarding my future, but if they approach me, we will have a conversation.”
The striker’s reputation has skyrocketed following an outstanding 2022/23 campaign with Napoli, where he netted 26 goals to claim the Serie A Golden Boot and played a key role in securing their first league triumph in over 30 years.
