In the high-stakes world of football transfers, agreeing on the headline figure is often just the opening act. The true drama frequently unfolds when negotiating the less glamorous, yet critically important, financial plumbing: the payment terms. This appears to be precisely the scenario playing out between Turkish giants Galatasaray and Italian club Napoli over the future of star striker Victor Osimhen.
Delegates from Galatasaray recently concluded a significant meeting in Italy, specifically aimed at thrashing out the details of a permanent move for the prolific Nigerian international. Osimhen, currently owned by Napoli but having spent the recently concluded season showcasing his talents in Istanbul, has clearly made a profound impression.
After a campaign where he impressively notched 37 goals and provided eight assists across 41 appearances, Galatasaray is understandably keen to make his stay permanent. The major hurdle of the transfer fee itself seems to have been cleared, with reports indicating Galatasaray has committed to activating the €75 million release clause embedded in Osimhen`s contract – a clause notably valid for clubs outside Italy until mid-July. €75 million. A sum that certainly raises eyebrows, or perhaps causes a slight tremble in the accounting department, depending on your perspective.
However, the commitment to pay the astronomical figure has led to the next layer of negotiation. Galatasaray`s proposal, brought to the table during the recent Italian meeting, requests the €75 million fee be structured not as a single, upfront payment, but spread across five separate instalments. A common practice in large transfers to manage cash flow, but one that introduces potential risk for the selling club.
Napoli, renowned for their firm negotiating stance, are reportedly seeking guarantees to mitigate this risk. Sources suggest they will demand official surety bonds. For the uninitiated, a surety bond in this context acts as a financial promise from a third party (like a bank) to ensure Napoli receives the full amount, even if Galatasaray were somehow unable to make the agreed payments down the line. It`s a layer of financial security, transforming a multi-year payment plan into something closer to guaranteed income.
Intermediary George Gardi, involved in the discussions, offered a succinct, almost understated, summary of the situation following the meeting: “We`re working on it, let`s see how it goes.” He added, “There is a desire, evidently. Let`s see.” These comments, while brief, confirm that the will exists on both sides to complete the transfer, but highlight that the complex mechanism of how €75 million changes hands is still being meticulously assembled.
So, as the summer transfer window progresses, the focus on the Osimhen saga shifts from the `if` and the `how much` to the `how exactly` and `when` the substantial funds will flow. The permanent move appears likely, but the final paperwork, it seems, awaits the crucial agreement on the precise schedule and security of those significant instalment payments.
