FIFA Technical Committee member and former Super Eagles captain “Sunday Oliseh” has offered an eye-opening explanation for why Europe’s biggest clubs backed away from signing Victor Osimhen, despite his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in world football.
Speaking in a now-viral video, Oliseh described Osimhen’s situation as a reflection of football’s growing business complexity, where transfer fees are only a fraction of the total financial commitment required to secure elite talents.
The Real Cost: €187 Million Package
Oliseh revealed that the actual cost to sign and maintain Osimhen stood at a staggering €187 million, a figure that priced out even some of Europe’s wealthiest clubs.
Here’s the breakdown:
- €75 million transfer fee paid to Napoli.
- 10% resale clause retained by Napoli.
- €15 million net annual salary, which becomes €28 million gross with taxes.
- Over “4 years”, that salary equals €112 million.
“For fans, football is passion,” Oliseh said, “but for everyone else in football, it’s business.”
Even though clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea showed interest, they hesitated when the total financial package became clear. That hesitation allowed Galatasaray to swoop in with a record-breaking offer, making Osimhen the most expensive player in Turkish football history.
Understanding the Snub
While many fans saw Osimhen’s absence from elite clubs as a slight on his ability, Oliseh’s analysis shows it was not about talent but affordability. The move to Galatasaray ended a tense saga with Napoli and handed the Turkish club a global superstar, at a high cost.
