Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli remains up in the air. The forward was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League last summer, but when the deal fell through, he ended up joining Galatasaray on loan.
Osimhen, 26, is now in the final year of his contract with Napoli and has had an impressive season in the Süper Lig, making 30 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists. As a key player in Okan Buruk’s squad, the Nigerian international helped guide the club to their third consecutive title.
He also played a crucial role in securing Galatasaray’s domestic double, scoring twice against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final. While Manchester United were once rumoured to be interested in Osimhen, it now appears he is set to stay in Istanbul.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Galatasaray have reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Osimhen. The report suggests that the Turkish heavyweights are closer than ever to landing the Nigerian, with a €75m (£65m) payment plan reportedly agreed upon.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reports that talks are still ongoing between the two clubs. It’s understood that Napoli have recently sent a counter-offer to Galatasaray, who are poised to respond to the ‘new conditions’.
German publication Bild reports that Newcastle United have also identified Victor Osimhen and Darwin Nunez as potential transfer targets, following their withdrawal from the race to sign Hugo Ekitike.
The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has reportedly set his sights on a move to Liverpool, who are prepared to meet his €100m (£85m) asking price. The Premier League champions are believed to have already agreed personal terms with Ekitike, who wasn’t swayed by the prospect of a move to St. James’ Park. Bild suggests that Newcastle tabled a €80m (£69m) bid for the 23 year old striker, which was turned down.
Additionally, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported in June that Manchester United contemplated offering Napoli a player-plus-cash deal involving Joshua Zirkzee for Osimhen. The Nigerian striker was reportedly aware of interest from Old Trafford, but a transfer never came to fruition.
United were reportedly hesitant to trigger the €75m (£65m) release clause in his contract, so they explored alternative ways to fund a bid. La Gazzetta dello Sport also noted that Osimhen turned down an offer from Al-Hilal at the time.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s manager provided an update on Osimhen’s future towards the end of May. Speaking to ‘I Just Spoke’, as quoted by Turkish media outlet NTV Sport, Buruk dismissed rumours linking the striker with a move to Saudi Arabia.
