Osimhen, De Laurentiis rift sparks transfer hope for suitors

Clubs interested in signing Victor Osimhen have received a major boost as the striker’s release clause will drop to €75m at the end of the season.

The Nigeria international, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, recently rejected a January move to Manchester United, prompting an angry response from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

According to La Repubblica, the Serie A club’s chief was furious when Osimhen informed sporting director Giovanni Manna of his desire to remain in Turkey until the season ends, despite United’s interest in a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford.

The Italian publication reported that De Laurentiis could not control his anger when reacting to Osimhen’s rejection saying,  “Then let him stay where he is. Tell Galatasaray to take Osimhen.”

The 26-year-old has been in scintillating form for Galatasaray, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in 16 appearances across all competitions since joining on loan in September.

“I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season,” Osimhen told reporters after scoring a brace against Tottenham in the Europa League.

“I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much. I am very happy at Galatasaray.”

The striker had renewed his Napoli contract in December 2023 with a €120m release clause and an understanding he could leave after six months. However, no club met that valuation, leading to his loan move to Turkey.

Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen on triggering Osimhen’s release clause, with the Red Devils struggling for goals this season, netting just 23 times in the Premier League.

Arsenal have also emerged as potential suitors following injury to Bukayo Saka, while Paris Saint-Germain have pulled out of the race after manager Luis Enrique insisted the club should not sign a natural number nine.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has dismissed reports linking the striker with an imminent exit, stating that Galatasaray are “100 per cent convinced” of retaining his services until the season ends.

Former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu recently suggested the Turkish club cannot afford a permanent deal for the Nigerian, who has netted 10 goals in the Super Lig this season.