Former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has criticized the controversial clause reportedly included by Napoli in Victor Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray, calling it out for raising serious concerns within the football community.
The clause allegedly bars Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to any Italian club for the next two years—an uncommon condition that has ignited widespread debate. Ideye, a veteran striker with over two decades of experience, did not mince words in expressing his disapproval.
“In my 20 years of professional football, I have never seen or heard this type of clause,” Ideye stated. “Galatasaray can’t sell a player they bought for 2 years to any Italian club. What is Napoli scared of?”
His comments reflect a growing sentiment that this move by Napoli goes beyond normal transfer protocol. The Nigerian striker hinted at a deeper motive behind the clause, suggesting the Italian side may be trying to protect themselves from a potential return of Osimhen to Serie A via a rival club.
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“This is more than just a transfer. Time will tell,” he added, cryptically.
Napoli has yet to publicly explain the reasoning behind the clause, but speculation continues to swirl around strained relations between Osimhen and the club following a turbulent end to his time in Naples.
Meanwhile, Osimhen is expected to earn a lot more than the reported salary of 18 Million Euros a year in his new contract with Galatasaray.
The striker earned 12 Million Euros for the season-long loan at the Turkish champions.
According to Turkish journalist Razim Ozan Kutahyal, the striker could pocket as much as 30 Million Euros a year through his salary, sponsorships and image rights.
He further reported that the Turkish government is offering tax breaks to football clubs like Galatasaray for this purpose.
