Napoli have officially turned down a third €75 million offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite the bid meeting the release clause in his contract.
The Serie A club is reportedly pushing for a transfer to a Saudi Arabian club, believed to be Al Hilal, preferring a lump sum payment rather than Galatasaray’s proposed installment plan.
According to Nigerian sports journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, known as Buchi Laba, Napoli’s rejection is a deliberate move to frustrate the deal with Galatasaray, who have offered €40 million upfront and €35 million in installments backed by bank guarantees.
Napoli, however, demand full immediate payment, a condition they say aligns better with their financial interests.
Osimhen, 26, who impressed during a loan spell at Galatasaray by scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances last season, has expressed a strong preference to remain with the Turkish club and reportedly refuses a move to Saudi Arabia.
He has also made it clear he does not intend to return to Napoli for pre-season training and wants to continue his career away from the Italian side, where he is contracted until June 2026.
The transfer saga is further complicated by the impending expiration of Osimhen’s €75 million release clause on July 15, which could allow Napoli to renegotiate or increase the asking price if no agreement is reached by then.
Galatasaray’s offer, if accepted, would set a new Turkish transfer record, more than tripling the previous highest fee paid in the league.
Negotiations remain ongoing, with Galatasaray awaiting Napoli’s final decision after submitting the latest proposal.
The standoff highlights the tension between the player’s wishes, Napoli’s financial strategy, and competing interests from Saudi clubs eager to secure Osimhen’s signature.
