Napoli Striker Victor Osimhen Available for €90m Transfer in January
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has a €90m release clause that allows him to leave Napoli for a non-Serie A club during the January transfer window, according to a report by RAI Sport.
“The clause is only valid for clubs outside Serie A,” RAI Sport journalist Ciro Venerato stated via Corriere Azzurro. “This means that if a club from outside Italy wants to sign Osimhen, they can activate the clause and negotiate with Napoli.”
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan earlier this season, had attracted significant interest from top European clubs like Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG during the summer transfer window. However, negotiations fell through, and he extended his contract with Napoli until June 2027.
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As part of the contract extension, Osimhen’s release clause was lowered from €130m to €75m. However, the report suggests that a separate €90m clause allows him to leave Napoli in January, but only for a non-Serie A club.
Galatasaray vice-president İbrahim Hatipoğlu has insisted that Osimhen will not leave the Turkish club in January. “We are not planning to let Osimhen go in January,” Hatipoğlu stated. “He’s an important player for us, and we’re counting on him for the rest of the season.”
Osimhen, Serie A’s top scorer in the 2022-23 season, recently netted his first two goals for Galatasaray in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa. He has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli before his temporary move to Galatasaray.
Juventus has been linked with a move for the 25-year-old striker, but Hatipoğlu’s statement suggests Galatasaray is keen to keep him. The transfer market will be watching Osimhen’s situation closely in January.
*Background*
Victor Osimhen joined Napoli in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the top strikers in Serie A. His impressive form earned him interest from top European clubs, but he chose to extend his contract with Napoli.
The Nigerian international’s loan move to Galatasaray was seen as a surprise, but it has given him the opportunity to play regularly and regain his form.
*Implications*
The report of Osimhen’s €90m release clause has sparked speculation about his future. If a non-Serie A club activates the clause, Napoli may be forced to consider selling their star striker.
However, Galatasaray’s insistence that Osimhen will not leave in January may complicate any potential transfer. The situation will likely unfold in the coming weeks, with many observers watching to see what happens next.