Napoli Draws the Line: Osimhen Deal Must Close by Monday

Italian powerhouse Napoli has issued a firm ultimatum to Turkish champions Galatasaray regarding the permanent transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, demanding that all necessary paperwork be finalized by next Monday.

This decisive deadline follows prolonged negotiations between the two clubs after Osimhen’s remarkably productive loan spell in Istanbul last season.

At Galatasaray, the 25-year-old forward netted 37 goals and contributed 8 assists across 41 appearances.

Napoli’s insistence marks a critical juncture aimed at concluding what has been a protracted transfer saga.

The two clubs have reportedly resolved the principal terms of the transfer.

These include important contractual clauses such as the anti-Serie A provision, designed to prevent Galatasaray from selling Osimhen back to any Italian club for the next two years without facing a steep penalty.

This clause aligns with Napoli’s mandate to avoid the striker joining a Serie A rival immediately after his departure.

Additionally, an agreement on future percentage rights concerning potential sell-on fees has been reached.

Although Napoli is showing some flexibility on this point, recognizing it as a lesser priority compared to other deal components.

Financially, the transfer is structured as a €75 million deal, with Galatasaray set to pay €40 million upfront and the remaining €35 million spread over instalments due by June 2026.

This payment breakdown reflects a compromise accommodating Galatasaray’s constraints with Financial Fair Play regulations.

It supposedly allows them to distribute the financial burden and fulfill the transfer obligations within a reasonable timeframe.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, however, initially pushed for €50 million upfront, highlighting the club’s desire for swift financial assurance.

Recent developments indicate that Galatasaray has worked intensively to meet Napoli’s demands, even agreeing to provide the required bank guarantees and obtain formal approval from banking institutions.

Osimhen’s emphatic performances last season have made him a fan favorite in Istanbul and pivotal to Galatasaray’s recent successes, as he helped secure a third consecutive Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup.

His efforts have fueled his desire to remain permanently at the Turkish club, reportedly reaching an understanding on personal terms and salary since June.

This mutual interest between player and club underscores the transfer’s importance to both parties and adds pressure to finalize the deal promptly.

Despite Galatasaray’s eagerness and repeated offers, at least four reportedly rejected by Napoli, the Italian club has maintained their firm valuation anchored at €75 million.

They remained unyielding even after Osimhen’s release clause expired.

Negotiations faced a stalemate mainly due to disagreements over payment scheduling and formal financial guarantees.

Nevertheless, a breakthrough appears imminent as the parties are reportedly in advanced stages of agreement.

Galatasaray is said to be preparing to dispatch the formal offer expected to satisfy Napoli’s stringent financial prerequisites shortly.

The transfer, once completed, will mark a historic moment for Galatasaray.

It will represent the most expensive signing in their history and one of the largest transactions ever in Turkish football.

This highlights not only the ambition of the Turkish champions but also the increasing financial muscle and competitive attractiveness of the Süper Lig on the European stage.

Complicating the negotiations was Osimhen’s strained relationship with Napoli’s hierarchy, hinting that his prolonged stay was never in the club’s plans after his falling out last year.

His unequivocal desire to join Galatasaray permanently has added another layer of urgency, with the striker reportedly expressing frustration over what he termed unnecessary obstruction from Napoli’s side.

This personal push from the player likely contributed to both clubs striving toward a resolution despite the complexities involved.

In conclusion, Napoli’s issuance of a strict deadline to Galatasaray serves as a pivotal step to expedite the closure of Victor Osimhen’s transfer.

With key contractual details ironed out and a substantial financial package agreed, it now rests with both clubs to complete the formalities.

For Osimhen, the move would cement his status as a marquee player in Turkish football.

For Galatasaray, it signals a strong statement of intent to continue their domestic dominance and enhance their competitive edge in European competitions.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the finalization of what promises to be one of this summer’s landmark deals.