Napoli sets deadline as Victor Osimhen transfer saga intensifies with Chelsea, Man United, and Galatasaray in the mix. Napoli has placed a ticking clock on Victor Osimhen’s future. They are demanding clubs to activate his €75 million (£64 million) release clause before it expires on July 15. The Serie A champions have informed the Nigerian striker who is currently on holiday that he will return for medical tests on July 14 or 15. But, nonetheless, he has no future at the club. A permanent sale is now their priority.
Chelsea’s Complex Pursuit
Chelsea remain on “transfer red alert” for Osimhen, but their path is fraught with complications:
- Financial Pressure: Despite already securing Liam Delap (£30m) and agreeing a £50m deal for Brighton’s João Pedro, Chelsea face Financial Fair Play scrutiny. Meeting Osimhen’s clause would require significant sales, with Christopher Nkunku and Romelu Lukaku potential exits.
- Player Reluctance: Talks of a Lukaku-Osimhen swap deal stalled after reports indicated the move “does not excite” Osimhen. His camp prefers a clearer sporting project.
- Clause Deadline: The July 15 cutoff forces Chelsea to accelerate negotiations or risk Napoli demanding more than £64m post-deadline.
Rivals Circle as Osimhen Eyes Premier League
Manchester United has emerged as a dark horse, leveraging Osimhen’s reported attraction to the club’s “burning magnetism.” Manager Ruben Amorim seeks an elite striker, and Osimhen’s 37 goals for Galatasaray last season make him a prime target. However, United’s financial constraints and his £200k+ weekly wages pose hurdles.
Galatasaray remains determined to retain him, ready to pay the clause “without batting an eyelid.” Yet, Osimhen rejected their offer, prioritizing a Premier League move despite Saudi Arabia’s €40m/year bid from Al-Hilal.
Why the Rush? Osimhen’s Value and Napoli’s Strategy
Napoli sets deadline in urgency that stems from financial necessity. Missing Champions League revenue, they aim to balance books while rebuilding under Antonio Conte. Osimhen’s sale funds targets like Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez. For suitors, the 26-year-old represents a rare, proven goalscorer. Former Nigeria assistant coach Acácio Santos told *Sky Sports*: “Victor deserves the Premier League… He’s a leader through example”.
Key Considerations for Potential Buyers
- AFCON Absence: Osimhen will miss 4-6 weeks mid-season for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Mental Fortitude: Santos highlights Osimhen’s “mental stamina”—his ability to instantly rebound from mistakes.
- System Fit: His power and pressing suit aggressive systems like Amorim’s or Enzo Maresca’s. But, moreover, his aerial dominance (1.86m) adds versatility.
The Verdict of Osimhen’s Future
Victor Osimhen’s future is still very much up in the air, with a huge July 15 deadline looming (Napoli’s deadline for the £64 million release clause). Chelsea, his old time suitor, have several issues to contend with. First, the release clause needs to be paid. This means that Chelsea must sell players like Romelu Lukaku or Christopher Nkunku in order to comply with Financial Fair Play. After that, Osimhen seeks a staggering £500,000 a week salary. This is in stark contrast to Chelsea’s usual last minute performance based structure. Also, while a complicated swap of Lukaku plus £39 million, plus Cesare Casadei has been mooted. Moreover, Napoli would prefer a cash sale.
Ultimately, Osimhen’s decision to either agree to performance-related terms at Chelsea, wait for United’s nebulous progression. Nevertheless, this will begrudgingly entertain Galatasaray who will have significant implications for the forward market. For example, with Osimhen with an indication, Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez could likely become a possible target for Napoli. This will occur only if Napoli are able to broke any transfer for Osimhen. As a further example, this complicated stalemate illustrates the friction in the modern transfer market between player ambition, and club financials, and strict timelines.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
