In the world of football transfers, speculation often outpaces reality. The proposed move of star striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli to Galatasaray is a prime example. Despite a flurry of optimistic reports suggesting a deal was imminent, the reality on the ground reveals a negotiation still entangled in critical financial details, specifically concerning guarantees.
Contrary to the hopeful narratives that circulated recently, reaching a basic agreement on the €75 million transfer fee is merely the first step in a complex process. The fundamental challenge lies not in the headline figure itself, but in securing the necessary financial assurances required for a structured payment plan. This often involves bank guarantees or other forms of security to ensure that future instalments are paid as agreed. It appears this crucial element has proven to be a significant bottleneck, preventing the deal from progressing beyond initial discussions.
Furthermore, it is essential to clarify Napoli`s position in these negotiations. The Italian club, under the leadership of president Aurelio De Laurentiis (a man known for his steadfast negotiating style, often as dramatic off the pitch as the game itself), has maintained control of the situation. Reports suggesting that Napoli has lowered its demands or is acting out of haste to offload the player are, quite simply, inaccurate. Napoli is holding firm on its €75 million valuation. Their current proposal reportedly involves an upfront payment of €55 million, with the remaining €20 million spread across instalments. However, this structure is strictly conditional upon receiving robust financial guarantees from the purchasing club.
Adding another layer to the narrative, Napoli had reportedly explored alternative avenues, including asking Osimhen to reconsider a proposal from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. However, this attempt to potentially find a different buyer did not yield a positive response from the player, reinforcing that Napoli isn`t just desperate for *any* deal, but is seeking the *right* deal on their terms. As of the latest updates, there has been no formal documentation provided by Galatasaray concerning the required guarantees, nor are there any immediate meetings scheduled to finalize terms.
Finally, it is important to address and dispel suggestions emanating from some sources, particularly reports from Nigeria, claiming that a breakthrough has occurred and that guarantees have already been sent to Napoli. According to sources close to the negotiations, none of this has transpired. The situation remains unresolved, pending Galatasaray`s ability to satisfy Napoli`s requirements for financial guarantees. The coming hours or days will determine if Galatasaray can bridge this gap and open the door for Victor Osimhen`s potential move to Istanbul, or if the saga will continue.
