Victor Osimhen Nears Galatasaray Return As Napoli Hold Firm On €75 Million Fee

After weeks of intense negotiations, a breakthrough appears imminent in Victor Osimhen’s permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray.

Despite the expiry of Osimhen’s release clause earlier this week, Napoli have maintained their €75 million valuation of the Nigerian forward. The Italian champions, initially believed to be flexible following the clause’s expiration, have made it clear: Osimhen won’t leave for less.

Talks between Napoli and Galatasaray have been ongoing for several days, with the primary sticking point revolving around payment terms and financial guarantees. The Turkish giants had made multiple offers, but Napoli refused to budge until proper assurances were provided.

That obstacle now seems to be cleared. According to reports from Football Italia, Galatasaray has agreed to provide a letter of credit, a guarantee from their bank that ensures Napoli will receive full payment for the deal.

“While the two parties are moving ever closer to closing a deal, it could still take a few more days due to the bureaucratic processes involved,” Football Italia reported.

The current framework being discussed sees Napoli receiving an upfront payment close to €50 million, with the remaining €25 million expected to be paid in full by the end of 2026.

While Napoli are reportedly open to a slightly reduced initial fee, it insists that the full €75 million must be paid within a year if the upfront offer drops significantly.

Osimhen, 26, is eager for a permanent switch back to Istanbul after a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray last season. He spearheaded their attack with 37 goals and eight assists in 41 games across all competitions, helping the club to a Super Lig and Turkish Cup double.

His impact was so profound that Galatasaray fans have grown restless, with tensions flaring to the point that one supporter reportedly threatened Napoli’s vice president in frustration over the transfer delay.

On Wednesday night, July 16, popular Turkish sports presenter Volkan Kılıç further added to the optimism that Osimhen is close to a permanent move to Galatasaray via 𝕏.

“A middle ground has been found in the Osimhen transfer. An agreement has been reached. I expect the Osimhen transfer to be announced by the weekend at the latest. Congratulations in advance,” Kılıç stated.

His optimism marks a shift from his earlier scepticism, when he noted that “no middle ground and agreement yet” had been reached and warned that Galatasaray were even considering a move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak if Osimhen proved unattainable.

If all goes according to plan, Galatasaray could announce Osimhen’s arrival before the weekend, bringing an end to one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas.