Napoli reject Gala’s Osimhen bid, insist on Saudi sale

Napoli have rejected a fresh €75m bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, despite the Turkish giants meeting the official release clause in the striker’s contract.

This development was disclosed by Nigerian sports journalist and transfer insider Onyebuchi Onokala, also known as Buchi Laba, who said Napoli are actively working to push the Super Eagles striker towards a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia instead.

In an update posted on X in the early hours of Thursday, Onokala stated, “Napoli officially turns down Galatasaray €75m third offer for Victor Osimhen. The official Release clause Figure.”

The 26-year-old Nigerian had earlier given his approval to a permanent transfer to Galatasaray, following a successful loan spell.

Onokala confirmed that the forward has no interest in a switch to the Middle East and has already made his position known to the club hierarchy.

“Victor James Osimhen says YES to Galatasaray and wants to continue with the Turkish team,” Onokala added.

“Napoli for weeks have been pleading with Victor Osimhen to stay. Osimhen has made it very, very clear that he wants to leave.”

According to Onokala, Napoli’s refusal to accept Galatasaray’s offer, despite it matching the contractual clause, is a deliberate strategy aimed at funnelling the striker towards a more financially lucrative deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who have expressed willingness to pay the full fee outright.

However, sources close to the player insist he is not open to moving to Saudi Arabia and remains fully committed to continuing his career in Europe.

The striker is also said to have informed Napoli that he will not be reporting for pre-season under new manager Antonio Conte, further escalating tensions between both parties.

Earlier reports from Italy, including a dispatch by Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, had confirmed that Galatasaray were front-runners for Osimhen’s signature after personal terms were agreed and a formal offer submitted.

The Istanbul-based club reportedly proposed paying the €75m clause in structured instalments, but Napoli are holding out for a full upfront payment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, Premier League clubs appear to have cooled their interest. Arsenal are prioritising other targets, while Manchester United have shifted attention to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, amid concerns about Osimhen’s wages.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that United’s pursuit was never concrete, citing the striker’s financial expectations and growing contentment with life in Istanbul as key reasons.