Osimhen transfer: Inside story of possible ‘secret’ deal as he returns to Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen’s move from Napoli to Galatasaray is almost done.
The negotiations between the two clubs are believed to be in their final stages.
The Turkish champions will pay his €75m release clause in two installments – €40m now and €35m within one year.
Barring any late collapse, Osimhen will return to Istanbul, where he spent last season on loan.
Let’s be clear. Galatasaray was not Osimhen’s first choice last summer.
If John Mikel Obi especially is to be taken as truth, the 26-year-old was very close to agreeing a move to Chelsea. But the two parties were not able to sort out personal terms.
Galatasaray was supposed to be a sort of stop-gap for Osimhen, after which he would have his pick of Europe’s top teams this summer.
But the four eye-watering offers have been from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. And they have been swiftly turned down.
No big club on the continent has picked up the phone to call the Nigerian striker. Not Arsenal. Or Manchester United. Not even Chelsea. Or Paris Saint-Germain.
Renowned sports broadcaster, Wale Agbede, tries to wrap his head around it.
“His case is really peculiar. Because nobody can pinpoint why he hasn’t gotten a move to one of the big clubs in Europe,” Agbede tells DAILY POST.
“He’s been courted. He’s mentioned in the same breath with Manchester United, for instance, who still need a striker by the way.
“There have been talks with Liverpool, although it seems the Reds have gone with Hugo Ekitike. But there was a story over the weekend, that if they didn’t get Ekitike or Alexander Isak, they could probably consider Osimhen.
“He was also mentioned in the same breath with Chelsea at the start of the transfer window, But they have gone on to sign other strikers.
“So, yes. He has been mentioned with a number of top clubs. But I feel there is more that meets the eye.
“I think his fractured relationship with Napoli has played a big role in why some of the bigger clubs have not come for him.
“I won’t be surprised if something sinister is going on behind the scenes. But unfortunately, it is very difficult to speak to it. Because we don’t have the facts of the matter.
“I know that a lot of people have suggested racial undertones. I don’t necessarily buy into that. Because Ekitite for instance is a black guy.
“Very critically, the age factor is coming into play. Osimhen is 26. This is going to be the last major contract of his career.
“How many clubs are going to spend that big on a 26-year-old player who is going to be 27 very soon?
“And they cannot necessarily guarantee that he is going to be the same player for the next five years.”
A lot of people in the football industry will readily admit a footballer’s career is a very short one.
So, the unspoken advice is to either win trophies or make money while it lasts. Achieving both is almost a rarity.
Which is why some observers feel Osimhen should snub a return to Galatasaray and accept the huge money Saudi Arabia is waving at him.
“Well, I think he still wants to play in Europe,” Agbede explains.
“I was having a conversation with someone and it was suggested that he could have a deal with Galatasaray to buy him off Napoli, then sell him off to a bigger club next summer. Because he has a better relationship with the Galatasaray board.
“So there’s the suggestion that Galatasaray signing him is a way to break off Napoli.
“That is an option he can explore.
“Going to Saudi Arabia, I think financially, is the most prudent option.
“Like I have said, he is 26 going on 27 and he is a Nigerian player. If you look at his branding, he is not necessarily the biggest brand around town.
“What that means, is that his financial security after his career ends is very important. Which is why you see players like Odion Ighalo advise him to go to Saudi Arabia.
“I personally would advise him to go to Saudi Arabia if he cannot get a big club like Chelsea or Real Madrid,” he added.
Osimhen transfer: Inside story of possible ‘secret’ deal as he returns to Galatasaray
