Robin Bairner
Victor Osimhen, Napoli, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Victor Osimhen might insist that he will remain with Galatasaray for the duration of the season, but there are transfer talks going on in the background that could see him make a January move.
Osimhen was one of the hottest stories of the summer transfer window as interest arrived from Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG. The Blues only narrowly missed out on securing his signature on Deadline Day, with their failure to agree personal terms sending the hitman in a shock move to Galatasaray.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international, who has 10 goals and five assists in 13 appearances for Gala, has insisted that he is happy with the Super Lig club, but interest remains.
According to Il Mattino, Napoli have received interest from PSG.
“Through intermediaries, PSG asked Napoli if paying Napoli the release clause is the only way to sign Osimhen. The answer was clear: yes,” the report states.
“Galatasaray are ready to pay, but Osimhen wants the Premier League. But his €12m per year wages are a real burden for anyone.”
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray
© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray
Osimhen fee revealed
Napoli wanted Osimhen’s €120m release fee matched for a summer transfer, but this figure has dropped significantly for the January window, according to Nicolo Schira.
“Victor Osimhen’s release clause (€81m) will be valid from January 2025. From July, the clause will be €75m,” he wrote on Twitter.
One of the reasons for these differing values is that Galatasaray will receive a €6m fee should Osimhen’s loan be broken at the midpoint of the season.
PSG: In the market for a prolific scorer
PSG could well be tempted to make a blockbuster bid for Osimhen in January due to their scoring troubles this season.
Luis Enrique’s side have been prolific when it comes to wasting chances this season, which has also led them to be linked with a €100m bid for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Spanish coach reportedly has reservations over signing both the Swede and Osimhen, with claims made that he is reticent to use them.