Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian international striker, has reportedly angered Napoli by turning down the opportunity to leave Galatasaray in January, despite Manchester United’s interest.
In December 2023, Osimhen signed a new contract with Napoli with plans to activate his €120m release clause and depart six months later.
However, when no club met his asking price and offers from Chelsea and Saudi Pro League teams fell through on deadline day, the Nigerian striker opted for a loan move to Galatasaray in September 2024.
Napoli had hoped that Osimhen’s spell at Galatasaray would help him regain his form and generate interest in his €81m release clause come January.
According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, even when Manchester United made an approach, Osimhen reportedly told Napoli’s director Giovanni Manna that he intended to stay at Galatasaray until the season’s end.
This decision reportedly infuriated Napoli’s President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, who viewed it as another instance of Osimhen complicating matters for the club.
Should Osimhen remain unsold by season’s end, his release clause will decrease to €75m.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that while a move in January is still possible, there are currently no significant developments or imminent transfers. “In terms of a potential move, it’s possible, but right now nothing is advanced or close with any club despite the ongoing links. It’s still early for this one,” Romano stated in a GIVEMESPORT newsletter.
