Tag: Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen has reportedly  informed Galatasaray of his desire to stay with the Turkish club, reports from Italy claim.

The Napoli forward, who spent the last season on loan with the Super Lig side, has rejected a big-money offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal and is set on staying in Turkey – according to what has been reported by the Corriere dello Sport, via CalcioMercato.

All that remains is for Galatasaray and Napoli to reach an agreement concerning the fee for the player. Osimhen’s contract includes a release clause available to non-Italian clubs set at €75 million; Napoli only prepared to sell the player to the Turkish club if this clause is activated.

Read Also: Conte contacts Osimhen to mend frosty relationship

However, the reports suggest that in Turkey, companies are prepared to play their part; offering sponsorships to help cover the cost of the release clause.

Therefore, it could only be a matter of time before Galatasaray present their formal offer to Napoli – meaning any other interested parties will have to act fast to avoid missing out.

In a related development, Jesse Marsch, the head coach of the Canadian national team, has praised new Juventus striker Jonathan David – stating that he is the second best striker in Europe behind Erling Haaland and that a partnership between the Canadian and Victor Osimhen would see 50 goals per season.

Speaking in an interview, with quotes from the Gazzetta dello Sport, Marsch said: “There are all different kinds of strikers but in terms of pure returns, David is right after Haaland.”

When asked if David could play with Osimhen, Marsch said “Absolutely! Osimhen is a centre-forward, David more of a second striker. I don’t know if it will happen but on paper it would be a fantastic duo. They would score between them at least 50 goals.”

The former Leeds United head coach has worked with some truly talented strikers whilst coming through the Red Bull coaching set-up, helping launch the careers for players like Haaland, Benjamin Sesko, Christopher Nkunku and Karim Adeyemi.

After signing Jonathan David, Juventus have another market decision to make for their attack. The Bianconeri have been linked with a move for want-away Napoli forward Osimhen, whilst Dusan Vlahovic’s future with the Old Lady appears to be hanging in the balance.

Despite including  Victor Osimhen in their squad for their pre-season after failing yet  to finalise an agreement over a sale this summer, Napoli  are reportedly lining up Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez as a potential replacement for the Nigerian ace striker.

But  according to  Football Transfers, Liverpool  are currently asking for a fee in excess of €80m to sanction the  sale of the  Uruguayan  to  the Arne Slot’s side and this is a major obstacle to overcome.

 Equally,  Udinese star Lorenzo Lucca has been identified as a cheaper alternative, although Napoli are still hoping to finalise a deal for Nunez as they look to defend their Serie A crown next season.

Read Also: NFL star, wife launch Lagos housing project with long-term investment plan

Napoli are s till haggling  over the sale  of Osimhen  to the highest bidder.

The Nigeria international, who spent last campaign on loan at Galatasaray after falling out with the Napoli hierarchy, is expected to secure a high-profile transfer before the start of the 2025-26 season, but he is yet to agree a move.

Al-Hilal are pushing to bring Osimhen to Saudi Arabia and they have offered him a salary package worth €160 million across four years, according to recent reports.

However, the 26-year-old rejected the chance to join Simone Inzaghi’s side before the Club World Cup and he is yet to be convinced to leave Europe for the riches of the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester United are currently regarded as his two most likely destinations in the Premier League, although Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with Osimhen over the past year too.

A permanent exit is still expected to take place this summer, however Osimhen is set to return to Napoli in July, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Italian publication has revealed that Osimhen is expected to be included in Napoli’s squad for the start of pre-season on Monday 15 July.

The Serie A giants will reportedly invite Osimhen to join the rest of Antonio Conte’s side for pre-season medical tests, although it remains to be seen whether he will train with the squad or separately.

Napoli were reportedly forced to include Victor Osimhen in the squad that will begin the pre-season in mid-July.

According to  the famous Italy’s pink paper, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Osimhen is expected to be part of the Napoli team that will start the preparation for the new season between July 14 and 15.

The Nigeria international has returned from a loan spell at Galatasaray and has already rejected a €30m-a-year offer from Al-Hilal, as Football Italia exclusively reported earlier this month.

The Saudi Pro League side haven’t yet given up on the Partenopei ace, but if they fail to reach an agreement with the striker by mid-July, Osimhen will be formally called up to start the pre-season with the rest of the team.

Read Also: Int’l Friendly: NFF hails Abiodun on cash gifts to Falcons, Lionesses

Medical tests for Napoli players are scheduled to take place between July 14 and 15, with training sessions in Dimaro, Trentino Alto Adige, from July 17 to 27. After a two-day break, preparation will continue in Castel Di Sangro (Abruzzo) between July 30 and August 14.

Napoli will soon send a formal email to inform the player about his commitment. The 26-year-old will likely undergo medical tests alongside his teammates, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll train with the rest of the team or separately.

Osimhen’s contract expires in June 2026, but Napoli have an option to extend to 2027. Osimhen has a €75m clause that is not valid for Serie A clubs.

The new Galatasaray jersey of Victor Osimhen carrying the five stars has broken the sales record in the history of the club, with fans very positive that the striker will stay put at the Turkish champions after several weeks of uncertainties.

Joyous Galatasaray fans have taken to social media to declare that “Osimhen is here”.

Read Also: Pogba joins Monaco after doping ban

According to Fotomac, Osimhen will soon land in Istanbul to sign a four-year contract in a unique ceremony.

The striker scored 37 goals and made eight assists in 41 appearances for Galatasaray to win a league and cup double last season.

Napoli’s call-up letter for Victor Osimhen to report for pre-season training next month is ready, according to La Repubblica

Serie A champions Napoli will resume preparations for the new season on July 15 at the Castel Volturno Sports Centre.

Osimhen will return officially as a player of Napoli by midnight Monday, when his 10-month loan deal at Galatasaray ends.

Read Also: Pogba joins Monaco after doping ban

He left the Italian club under a very difficult situation after a transfer to Saudi Arabia collapsed when Napoli demanded more money.

In the event that the striker does not complete a transfer before pre-season training camp opens, he will then be expected to join the rest of the Napoli to begin the build-up for the new season. Osimhen has a contract with Napoli until June 2026.

Italian journalist Ivan Zazzaroni predicts Victor Osimhen will join Al-Hilal: ‘It’s practically done.’

The Corriere dello Sport editor  Ivan Zazzaroni has  claimed  that Napoli-owned striker Osimhen will join Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal this summer.

 “I can tell you it’s practically done, Osimhen will join Al-Hilal,” Zazzaroni told Radio Kiss Kiss via TMW.

 “Nobody else can match that offer, not even half. 40m per season is astonishing, out of the market. He didn’t want to go for the Club World Cup, but Al-Hilal are very confident. That’s it. Galatasaray can’t even afford to pay half of that fee. There are no offers from the Premier League. It would be surprising if he doesn’t go there.”

Read Also: NFF urged to secure 18-year-old Nigeria-Argentina born River Plate star Jonathan Asuzu

Initial talks between Osimhen and Al-Hilal collapsed when the Nigerian forward rejected a €30m-a-year contract offer earlier this month, but according to several sources in Italy, the Saudi Pro League giants have not yet given up.

Osimhen has a €75m clause included in his contract, but it’s not valid for Serie A clubs.

The Nigeria international spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. The 26-year-old won the Turkish League this season and was named the league’s best player.

Osimhen played 133 games at Napoli, scoring 76 goals. His contract at the Stadio Maradona formally runs out in June 2026, but the Partenopei hold an option for a further extension to 2027.

Another top Italian journalist has named the club who will sign Victor Osimhen this summer.

Director of Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Ivan Zazzaroni, has said Osimhen will finally be tempted to take “truly incredible figures” top Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have now tabled before him.

Zazzaroni was categorical about Osimhen’s next destination.

 “A person saw Al Hilal’s offer to Osimhen, it’s not difficult to understand who I am talking about. The offer is for three years at 40 Million (Euros) per year plus an option for another year,” he told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli

 “For me it’s madness.

Read Also: NFF mourns demise of former FIFA referee Momoh

 “In my opinion, Osimhen will go to Al Hilal, just like Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) will go.

 “The initial offer for Osimhen was 50 (Million Euros), if he had played at the Club World Cup.

 “For me these are truly incredible figures.

“Osimhen is currently among the top three strikers in the world and I’m convinced this money will arrive and Napoli will make the market.

 “Napoli, in the person of De Laurentiis, Chiaveli, Manna and Conte want to bring in 10 new players.”

Al-Hilal have reportedly  increased their already-staggering contract offer to Napoli-owned striker Victor Osimhen, after the Nigeria international turned down their initial proposal.

Osimhen, who is expected to be sold by Napoli this summer, has a release clause worth €75m valid for teams outside of Serie A this summer. As things stand, Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League are the only non-Italian team to offer to pay the release clause in full.

Recent reports claimed that Al-Hilal, now coached by former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi, had offered Osimhen €30m per season in wages to leave Napoli this summer, which the 26-year-old ultimately turned down.

Read Also: President Federation Cup: NFF dismisses Bayelsa United protest on Nasarawa United

Al-Hilal did not give up on their pursuit of the Nigerian, though, and Italian news outlet,  Corriere dello Sport,  has claimed  that they are now prepared to offer €40m per season in wages.

The  report claimed that Al-Hilal’s proposal is for a three-year contract with an option of an additional 12 months, which would see the former Galatasaray loanee rake in a whopping €160m (about ₦287,149,526,761.31).

Al-Hilal have been busy in the Serie A market, and are also closing in on an agreement with Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, who is reportedly close to accepting a €20m-per-season contract offer from the Saudi heavyweights.

English Premier League champions Liverpool have registered their interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a new development, according to Valter De Maggio, per Sportskeeda, Liverpool have offered Napoli Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez for Osimhen.

However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has informed Liverpool that they will only consider the bid if they add €20 million.

Read Also: Oshoala, Plumptre return as NFF list 24 Super Falcons for WAFCON

Chiesa is valued at €14 million, while Nunez is valued at €45 million. Adding €20 million to the two players’ values makes it €79 million. And this might be a bit too high for Liverpool, as Osimhen is valued at €70 million on Transfermarkt.

The Reds are also looking at other options like Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko in attack. Both players would also be expensive.

This summer, Liverpool have been straightforward and tidy with their transfers. If they really want Osimhen, they won’t spend a lot of time to complete the transfer.