Victor Osimhen’s transfer was one that sparked lots of discussions in the football world, from his speculated move to Paris Saint-Germain to the last-minute collapsed deal with Al Ahli and Chelsea’s enduring interest until the transfer deadline.
How Napoli’s contract stalled Victor Osimhen’s Move
Sports Buddy takes a look at how Napoli frustrated the Nigerian striker’s attempt to secure a more beneficial move and how it led to his loan with Turkish side Galatasaray.
Having established himself as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, Victor Osimhen signed an improved deal with the Italian outfit, which would see his salary rise from €5.7 million to €12.8 million per year. The contract came with a release clause of €130 million.
A deal that was meant to be lucrative eventually turned out to be a stumbling block for Osimhen, as his hefty release clause pushed suitors away.
Failed negotiations with PSG, Chelsea, and Al Ahli
Despite agreeing personal terms with Osimhen, PSG opted out of negotiations with Napoli when both clubs could not agree on a fee.
Reports also claim Chelsea proposed a loan deal for the African Footballer of the Year; however, his agent, Roberto Calenda, made it clear that his client did not want a temporary move as it was not befitting of his status.
When it looked like Osimhen was about to make a switch to Al Ahli on the transfer deadline for €80 million, having agreed to a mouthwatering deal with the Saudi Arabian outfit, Napoli increased the price. This angered Al Ahli, who opted out, having gotten other options in Ivan Toney, according to Ben Jacobs on X.
This paved the way for Chelsea to make another attempt to land Osimhen with few hours left before the close of the transfer window.
However, the deal fell apart due to disagreements over the player’s wage demands, leaving him stuck in Napoli.
Napoli’s decision and Galatasaray’s opportunity
With bridges broken with Napoli, after making an attempt to force his way out of the club, Victor Osimhen was axed from Antonio Conte’s squad, which already had a replacement in Romelu Lukaku.
Osimhen, faced with the possibility of being sidelined from club football for at least three months, finally found a breakthrough when Galatasaray came knocking.
Galatasaray, who were still eligible to sign players due to Turkey’s still-open transfer window, made a loan proposal for Victor Osimhen.
The deal was accepted by both the Italian club and the wantaway striker, who would still maintain his lucrative wage from Napoli.
According to Italian transfer analyst Gianluca Di Marzio, the Turkish powerhouses have agreed to fully cover the enormous €12.8 million annual salary of the Nigerian striker for the duration of his one-year loan deal.
To facilitate this move and ensure the Partenopei can safeguard his market worth, Osimhen and Napoli have inked an extension of their contract.
The new pact also contains a release clause worth €75 million, which might permit a relocation in the future.
A summary of the events surrounding Victor Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli was posted b
