Napoli is standing firm on its €75 million release clause for star striker Victor Osimhen, awaiting ironclad financial guarantees from Galatasaray before approving his permanent transfer to the Turkish club.
The Nigerian international, who spent a highly successful loan spell with Galatasaray last season, is eager to make the move permanent.
According to Football Italia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, writing in his latest column for Caught Offside, a meeting between representatives from Galatasaray and Napoli took place on Wednesday to discuss the transfer.
Despite Osimhen’s desire to remain in Turkey, Napoli’s President Aurelio De Laurentiis is unwavering in his demand for the full release clause to be paid.
READ: Galatasaray Considers Chelsea Striker as Osimhen Alternative in Ambitious Transfer Strategy
“Regardless of what his future holds, Napoli want to collect the full €75m of his release clause,” Pedullà explained. “De Laurentiis usually doesn’t miss these chances. When it’s time to cash in, he stands firm, doesn’t give discounts and pulls the rope until it gets exactly where he wants.”
Galatasaray, who initially hoped to negotiate a lower fee or a more favorable payment plan, has now reportedly understood Napoli’s inflexible stance.
The Turkish club is working to provide the necessary certified guarantees, which Napoli insists must be “real, tangible backing” to prevent any potential missed payments once the season commences.
Osimhen’s impressive performance during his loan spell with Galatasaray saw him net 37 goals in 41 matches in the 2024-25 season, leading the club to the Turkish domestic title and earning him the league’s best player award.
Despite his successful tenure in Turkey, Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli until 2026, with the option for the Partenopei to extend it to 2027.
This contractual security gives Napoli leverage and removes any urgency to sell the prolific striker this summer. During his time at the Stadio Maradona from 2020 to 2024, Osimhen scored 76 goals in 133 competitive matches and played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A title victory.
