Osimhen: Napoli transfer scheming could pave way for move to UCL royalty

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Italian giants SSC Napoli have reportedly revised their transfer policies to facilitate Victor Osimhen‘s permanent exit following his season-long loan to Galatasaray SK.

Throughout the summer, Osimhen's transfer saga saw intense speculation, with Chelsea and Al-Ahli emerging as frontrunners, and clubs like Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also showing interest at various points. However, negotiations with Chelsea stalled, and despite reaching a provisional agreement with Al-Ahli, that move also fell through.

Ultimately, Galatasaray secured the services of the reigning CAF Player of the Year on a loan deal lasting until the end of the 2024/25 season

Osimhen: Napoli transfer scheming could pave way for move to UCL royalty
Photo by IMAGO

Release clause amid European interest

The Nigerian striker has excelled at Galatasaray, keeping him firmly on the radar of top European clubs. Osimhen currently has a release clause of €75 million, attracting interest from clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

Although there were rumors of a January break clause in his loan agreement, Galatasaray has denied these claims, and the 25-year-old  himself has confirmed his intention to remain with the club for the entirety of the season.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who initially resisted offers from Italian rivals, has reportedly softened his stance, opening the door for a potential Serie A transfer. This development has reignited interest from Juventus and AC Milan, with Zlatan Ibrahimović confirming Milan's pursuit during the summer transfer window

Potential Leao-Osimhen swap

Osimhen: Napoli transfer scheming could pave way for move to UCL royalty
Photo by IMAGO

AC Milan are exploring an Osimhen deal and could involve Rafael Leão in a swap, a possibility Napoli previously rejected. 

De Laurentiis might reconsider if he opts to sell Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is currently negotiating a renewal.

If these talks fall through, Napoli could open the door to the Leão deal, further complicating the Osimhen saga.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.