Napoli have rejected an initial €65 million offer from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisting the Nigerian striker will only leave for the full €75 million release clause.
Galatasaray, who currently have Osimhen on loan until the end of the season, submitted their first official bid to Napoli in hopes of securing a permanent transfer before the January window closes.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli swiftly rejected the offer, maintaining their position that the player will only be sold for the full value of his clause.
Osimhen has been in sensational form for Galatasaray, scoring nearly a goal per game in the Turkish Süper Lig.
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His performances have prompted the Turkish champions to seek a permanent deal, but their €65 million bid fell €10 million short of Napoli’s asking price.
The intricacies of Osimhen’s contract come into focus here. His original release clause was set at €130 million but was renegotiated last summer when he signed a new deal with Napoli before moving to Turkey on loan.
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The new agreement allows Galatasaray an exclusive option to sign him for €75 million in January—€6 million less than any other club would need to pay to acquire him mid-season.
For clubs outside of Galatasaray, Osimhen’s release clause in January stands at €81 million, but this drops to €75 million for all suitors starting in the summer.
Napoli are not in a rush to sell, particularly given Osimhen’s continued high-level performances, and De Laurentiis is prepared to wait until the summer when more suitors and potentially higher offers are expected.
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Premier League giants Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United remain keen on Osimhen, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel reportedly helping to persuade the striker to prioritize a move to Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to push for Osimhen’s signature during the winter transfer window.