Victor Osimhen Set to Join Galatasaray in €75M Deal After Lengthy Napoli Exit Talks

After months of drawn-out negotiations, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is finally set to join Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian international, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and helped them secure a domestic double with 37 goals and eight assists in 41 matches, will now make the move permanent. Napoli and Gala have reached a verbal agreement, with the Turkish club set to pay €40 million upfront, followed by €35 million next year. The deal also includes a 10% sell-on clause and performance-related bonuses.

As part of the agreement, Galatasaray are barred from selling Osimhen to any Italian club for the next two years.

Osimhen had been eager to leave Napoli ever since leading them to a historic Scudetto in the 2022/23 season. Though several top European clubs—Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester United—expressed interest, none were able to meet Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis’s steep asking price. Saudi side Al Hilal also made a move and agreed on personal terms, but Osimhen ultimately rejected the switch.

Galatasaray returned with a renewed push to meet Napoli’s €75 million release clause, finally convincing De Laurentiis to sanction the sale.

Napoli, in preparation for life after Osimhen, have already secured Lorenzo Lucca and Romelu Lukaku to bolster their attack. Despite his departure, the Serie A club reclaimed the league title last season and are aiming to retain it with their revamped squad.

While Osimhen’s talent is widely acknowledged, some top clubs reportedly hesitated due to off-field concerns. A controversial Instagram Live rant in 2024, during which he lashed out over a fallout with Super Eagles interim coach Finidi George, attracted widespread attention and memes. His associations with certain controversial Nigerian influencers have also raised eyebrows.

Nevertheless, Galatasaray have shown unwavering belief in the 26-year-old forward and are betting big on him to lead their European and domestic campaigns.