Napoli have turned down a fresh €75m bid from Turkish champions Galatasaray for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite the offer matching the official release clause in his contract.
The development was revealed by Nigerian sports journalist and transfer insider Onyebuchi Onokala, popularly known as Buchi Laba, who disclosed that Napoli are actively working to steer the Super Eagles forward toward a move to the Saudi Pro League instead.
In a post shared on X early Thursday, Onokala wrote, “Napoli officially turns down Galatasaray €75m third offer for Victor Osimhen. The official Release clause Figure.”
The 26-year-old had reportedly given the green light to a permanent move to Galatasaray following a successful loan stint with the Istanbul-based side.
Onokala confirmed that Osimhen is not interested in moving to the Middle East and has communicated his desire to remain in Europe.
“Victor James Osimhen says YES to Galatasaray and wants to continue with the Turkish team,” he 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 rejection of Galatasaray’s offer, despite it aligning with the striker’s buyout clause, is part of a calculated strategy to push him toward a more financially lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal are said to be willing to pay the €75m clause outright and have shown strong interest in acquiring the striker.
However, sources close to the player insist that Osimhen has no interest in a Saudi switch and is fully focused on continuing his career in Europe.
The player has reportedly informed Napoli that he will not report for pre-season under new manager Antonio Conte, escalating tensions between the two parties.
Earlier reports from Italy, including updates by Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, confirmed that Galatasaray were leading the race for Osimhen after agreeing personal terms and submitting a formal offer.
The Turkish side is understood to have proposed paying the €75m fee in structured instalments, but Napoli are demanding full payment upfront.
Meanwhile, interest from Premier League clubs appears to have cooled. Arsenal have shifted their focus to alternative targets, while Manchester United are reportedly pursuing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo due to concerns over Osimhen’s wage demands.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also stated that United’s interest in Osimhen was never concrete, citing financial factors and the striker’s comfort with life in Istanbul as key reasons.