Victor Osimhen`s future remains a focal point of the summer transfer window, with the Nigerian striker strongly linked with a move from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The ongoing saga took a peculiar turn this week as Napoli`s pre-season officially began under new coach Antonio Conte.
Reports indicate that while Galatasaray has signaled readiness to meet Osimhen`s substantial €75 million release clause, the finer details of the payment plan are proving to be a sticking point. Napoli is reportedly pushing for a significant upfront payment, rumoured to be around €55 million, with the remainder spread over instalments. Galatasaray, on the other hand, is said to prefer a structure starting with a lower initial figure, perhaps closer to €40 million, and a larger portion deferred. This financial dance is keeping the transfer from being formally announced.
Amidst these high-stakes negotiations, Osimhen was notably absent from the very first training session of Napoli`s pre-season. While clubs often grant players extended leave, especially after international duty or if a transfer is imminent, the nature of his absence raised eyebrows. According to reliable sources, Osimhen did not simply fail to show up; he reportedly submitted a medical certificate, essentially a `sick note`, to explain his non-attendance. This move, while perhaps technically legitimate, is widely interpreted as a clear signal of the player`s desire to avoid training with his current club while finalizing a move elsewhere. One might even speculate if this sudden ailment will conveniently subside once the pen hits the paper on his new contract.
For Napoli and their new manager, Antonio Conte, this is an less-than-ideal start. Conte is known for his rigorous pre-season preparations and his emphasis on team unity and commitment. The absence of a key player, particularly under these circumstances, disrupts the initial phase of building for the new season. It highlights the awkward phase when a star player is on the verge of departure, and the club is left managing the optics.
As negotiations were expected to continue, the football world watches to see if Napoli and Galatasaray can bridge the financial gap and rubber-stamp the deal. Until then, Osimhen remains technically a Napoli player, albeit one whose physical presence – or rather, absence – speaks volumes about his immediate future plans.
