The Nigerian striker was expected to secure a move to Real Madrid, PSG, or one of England’s top clubs this summer—yet he finds himself at a Europa League team instead.
Victor Osimhen had a clear vision. Although he inked a new contract with Napoli last December, which substantially boosted his earnings, his sights were never set on remaining at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona beyond the 2023-24 season.
Osimhen knew exactly where he wanted to go and how he intended to get there. "Since I began my professional career, I’ve been the one steering my own course," he confidently told CBS Sports in January, adding that things had always gone according to his plans. But that’s no longer the case.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Osimhen was greeted with great fanfare upon his arrival in Istanbul, ahead of finalizing his loan move to Galatasaray. His broad smile belied the reality—this was never in the script. What unfolded was an unforeseen debacle, a disastrous end to a transfer saga that saw neither Osimhen nor Napoli emerge victorious, only defeated.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, had acknowledged back in January that the club was aware of Osimhen’s desire to leave since the previous summer. They were even prepared to let him go—but not immediately.
De Laurentiis was understandably reluctant to part ways with Osimhen so soon after the striker had netted 26 goals, securing the title of capocannoniere at the conclusion of a historic Serie A championship. For his part, Osimhen was content to spend another year at a club and among fans who had shown him immense affection since his arrival from Lille in 2020.
After protracted and painful negotiations, a compromise was reached. Osimhen would extend his contract until 2026, with his salary rising to approximately €11 million (£9 million/$12 million) per year. Crucially, the new agreement included a buyout clause set at €120 million (£100 million/$130 million)—a significant reduction from the €200 million (£170 million/$220 million) that De Laurentiis had suggested would be necessary to pry away his most prized asset during the summer of 2023.
Reports indicated that De Laurentiis had even rejected a €140 million (£120 million/$154 million) bid from Al-Hilal. Yet, he was willing to accept slightly less if it meant retaining Osimhen for one more season, confident that a top European club would meet the fixed asking price.
Indeed, by January, the Partenopei president was publicly declaring that Osimhen would join Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, or an English club during the 2024 summer transfer window. So how did he end up in Istanbul instead? A toxic mix of greed, pride, and sheer incompetence.
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