Napoli have rejected an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisting the striker will not be sold for less than his €75 million release clause, according to Soccernet.ng.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the Turkish champions submitted their first official offer in hopes of securing Osimhen’s permanent transfer before the January window closes.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray until the end of the season, has been in outstanding form, averaging nearly a goal per game in the Turkish Süper Lig. His performances have convinced Galatasaray to push for a permanent deal, but their opening bid fell €10 million short of Napoli’s asking price.
The report also sheds light on the complexities of Osimhen’s contract. While his original release clause was set at €130 million, it was renegotiated last summer when he extended his deal before moving to Turkey on loan. Under the new terms, Galatasaray has an exclusive opportunity to sign him for €75 million in January—€6 million less than what any other club would have to pay for a mid-season transfer.
For clubs outside of Galatasaray, Osimhen’s release clause stands at €81 million in January. However, from the summer onwards, the clause drops to a uniform €75 million for all potential buyers.
Napoli is in no rush to sell, with Osimhen continuing to deliver top performances. De Laurentiis is willing to wait until the summer, anticipating greater interest and potentially higher bids for the Nigerian international. Premier League giants Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United remain keen on signing Osimhen.
Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has been actively encouraging the Blues to prioritize a move for the striker, while Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged his former club to push for Osimhen’s signature this winter.
