Osimhen bomb! 'First yes' for transfer deal

Tom Weber

Updated: 4 Oct 2024 14:46 BST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Napoli would be open to selling Victor Osimhen to Serie A rivals Juventus, but there is a problem, according to Italian media.

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The Nigerian striker is out on loan at Galatasaray at least until January. Deadline Day moves to Chelsea and Al-Ahli did not materialise, so Osimhen had to move to Istanbul to avoid being left sitting in the stands at Napoli.

Ahead of his move, the release clause in his Napoli contract was reduced from €130 million to €75m, while the forward also made that a break clause would allow him to leave Galatasaray in January should other clubs express their interest.

Osimhen was one of the protagonists of the summer window and the current state of affairs has only added fuel to the speculation. Chelsea's interest remains but Osimhen's wage demands continue to be the main stumbling block.

As a result, the names of other clubs have been bandied about in the media, with Napoli's Serie A rivals Juventus the latest side to be linked with Osimhen.

Napoli say yes to Juventus

According to Italian media, Napoli would in principle be open to selling the 25-year-old to the Bianconeri as they are desperate to get him off the books.

However, the problem is - as far as Juventus are concerned - that Osimhen's release clause does not apply to Serie A sides, so it is at Napoli's discretion to set a price for their wantaway superstar when doing business with the Turin outfit.

Given that the two play in the same division, it is expected that Napoli would demand a premium from the Old Lady. Moreover, Dusan Vlahovic is beginning to hit form again after recently coming under fire.

Speculation surrounding the Serb's future has been rampant. There has been talk of a contract extension since last winter, but it has still not been officially sealed.

However, on current form, it might simply be smarter - and cheaper - to keep Vlahovic rather than desperately trying to sign Osimhen. Alternatively, it is claimed, that Juventus could bank on one of Vlahovic's many suitors, especially Arsenal, returning for him and freeing up the necessary funds.