Former Nigeria striker Brown Ideye has raised eyebrows over a surprising clause in Victor Osimhen’s recent transfer deal, questioning why Napoli is so desperate to block any return to Serie A.
Osimhen, widely known as one of Napoli’s greatest strikers in recent years, is finally leaving the club after months of speculation. But his exit has come with some eye-opening conditions.
The Nigerian star has sealed a move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he previously spent a loan spell. The deal is almost completed, with the player expected to undergo a medical and sign officially in a matter of days.
Napoli made sure to get every penny they wanted, sticking to their €75 million demand. Even when Galatasaray tried to split the payment across two years, Napoli refused. The Italian side insisted on getting the full amount within a year.
But the most talked-about part of the deal is not the money. Instead, it’s the clause.
Napoli added a condition in the contract that Galatasaray cannot sell Osimhen to any Serie A club for the next two years. This has sparked confusion and criticism from football watchers, especially Ideye.
The former Super Eagles forward took to social media to express his shock. “In my 20 years of professional football, I have never seen a clause like this,” Ideye wrote. “Galatasaray can’t sell a player they paid for to a Serie A club for two years? What is Napoli so scared of?”
He further noted that this seems bigger than a simple transfer. “This is more than just football business. Time will tell,” he added.
Despite the strange conditions, the deal is a huge moment for both Galatasaray and Osimhen. It sets a new transfer record for a Turkish club. Osimhen will also become the highest-paid player in the history of the Turkish Super Lig.
Brown Ideye, now 36, knows what it means to play at the top level.
A member of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, Ideye featured in top leagues including the English Premier League, France’s Ligue 1, and Greece’s Super League. He recently played for Enyimba in the Nigeria Premier League before leaving at the end of last season.
