Victor Osimhen has finally completed his long-anticipated move away from Napoli, signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a €75 million transfer deal.
The agreement also includes a strategic clause that blocks Osimhen from returning to Italy’s Serie A for at least two years.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Galatasaray will pay €40 million upfront, with the remaining €35 million to be paid by 2026. In a rare but significant move, Napoli inserted an “anti-Italy” clause in the deal, which effectively bans Osimhen from joining any Italian club until 2027.
Should Galatasaray breach the clause and allow him to move back to Serie A before then, they would be required to pay double the transfer fee — a penalty that makes any such move highly improbable.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis was adamant about inserting the clause to avoid strengthening any Serie A rival. Osimhen’s explosive pace, physical presence, and goal-scoring instincts made him a prized asset during Napoli’s triumphant 2022/23 Serie A campaign, where he emerged as one of Europe’s top strikers and the face of Napoli’s first Scudetto in 33 years.
The saga between Osimhen and Napoli had been ongoing since the title win. Despite his pivotal role in that success, relations between the forward and the club soured following transfer speculation in the summer of 2023.
Tensions escalated as Napoli reportedly refused earlier offers from other top European clubs, insisting on a sky-high valuation.
Osimhen was eventually loaned to Galatasaray, where he quickly found his form in the Turkish Super Lig. His performances reignited interest from the Istanbul-based club, which pushed for a permanent move but initially hesitated over Napoli’s financial demands and insisted on bank guarantees.
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With negotiations now concluded, Osimhen begins a new chapter with Galatasaray, who see him as a marquee signing capable of boosting their domestic and European campaigns.
Meanwhile, Napoli have wasted no time in retooling their attacking options. They recently brought in Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese on an initial €9 million loan deal, with an obligation to buy for €26 million.
The 24-year-old striker is expected to fill the void left by Osimhen, though fans will watch closely to see how the team adapts without their former talisman.
As Osimhen prepares to make his mark in Turkey, Galatasaray fans are already buzzing with excitement about the impact he could have in the upcoming season.
The club’s next friendly match is scheduled for July 20 against Admira Wacker, where Osimhen is expected to make his first post-transfer appearance. Napoli, on the other hand, will face S.S. Arezzo on July 22 as they continue their preseason preparations.
This transfer not only marks the end of Osimhen’s chapter in Italy but also signals a fresh opportunity in a different league, with Napoli ensuring they won’t see him lining up against them in the near future.
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