Transfers

Victor Osimhen Transfer Edges Closer as Juve Plan Vlahovic Exit

Victor Osimhen transfer is gathering pace in Turin, with Juventus stepping up discreet talks to unite Massimiliano Allegri’s attack around the prolific Nigerian while simultaneously manoeuvring to off-load Dusan Vlahovic and balance the books. Sources in Italy confirm that sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli phoned Osimhen’s entourage over the weekend, outlining a long-term project and a wage package designed to tempt the Serie A top scorer back to northern Italy.

Why Juventus Believe the Victor Osimhen Transfer Is Possible

Juventus know Napoli’s public stance: club president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants either the striker’s €130 million release clause paid in full or a structured deal that reaches the same figure. That price normally scares off domestic rivals, yet the Bianconeri take confidence from two factors. First, Osimhen has not renewed beyond 2026, and his existing contract includes performance clauses that now make a summer sale advantageous for Napoli’s balance sheet. Second, Giuntoli retains an excellent relationship in Naples after building the title-winning squad and believes he can leverage that goodwill to engineer a creative formula—likely a multi-year payment plan plus bonuses.

Financing the Dream: Vlahovic Sale Remains the Key Domino

To comply with UEFA’s new squad-cost ratio and bankroll the Victor Osimhen transfer, Juventus must cash in on Vlahovic. The Serbian striker, although appreciated by Allegri, is considered the most valuable saleable asset. PSG and Manchester United, both in the market for a physically dominant No. 9, have been briefed that €70 million would open negotiations, though Juve might settle for €60 million plus add-ons. Insiders reveal that fresh contact with United is expected after the FA Cup final. Should a bid arrive, Juventus will immediately re-enter formal talks with Napoli.

Napoli’s Stance: Accept or Rebuild?

Napoli find themselves on the brink of a rebuild after a turbulent title-defence season. A marquee exit would free funds for a sweeping squad refresh under incoming coach Antonio Conte. In private, De Laurentiis recognises that keeping an unhappy star could erode dressing-room harmony. As long as he can present supporters with a credible reinvestment plan—think Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca plus Lille’s Jonathan David—he may sanction the Victor Osimhen transfer to a domestic rival he previously vowed never to strengthen.

Player Power: Osimhen’s Perspective

Osimhen remains publicly non-committal, yet those close to him cite a desire for a new challenge and Champions League football, something Napoli cannot guarantee next term. Juventus offer a historic platform, a passionate fanbase, and—crucially—giant endorsement potential in a market that reveres heroic centre-forwards. The 25-year-old is also intrigued by Allegri’s promise of building the attack around his pace and off-the-ball aggression, unlike his hold-up-heavy role under Rudi Garcia and Francesco Calzona.

Alternative Suitors Keeping Tabs

Chelsea and Arsenal have run background checks but are focused on younger, less expensive options. Bayern Munich admire Osimhen but consider the fee excessive after last summer’s Harry Kane outlay. Paris Saint-Germain identify him as a possible Kylian Mbappé replacement, yet their primary focus remains Rafael Leão. This leaves Juventus in a surprisingly strong position domestically—as long as the Vlahovic domino falls.

Strategic Fit: How the Victor Osimhen Transfer Transforms Juve

Tactically, Allegri envisions a dynamic 4-3-3: Federico Chiesa left, Timothy Weah or Kenan Yildiz right, and Osimhen driving centrally, giving Juve an outlet behind high lines and restoring the vintage counter-punch that characterised their Scudetto runs. The Nigerian’s relentless pressing would set the tone for a younger, more aggressive squad aligned with Giuntoli’s recruitment philosophy. Analysts at Sky Sport Italia believe Osimhen’s arrival could add 15 points to Juve’s tally, enough to bridge the gap to Inter Milan.

Financial Ramifications and FFP Compliance

Juventus have trimmed their wage bill by letting Ángel Di María, Juan Cuadrado, and Leonardo Bonucci depart in recent windows. Adding Osimhen’s projected €10 million net salary would still fit within a refreshed cost structure if Vlahovic’s €9.5 million is removed. The club is also negotiating a front-of-shirt sponsorship bump that could partially underwrite the fee.

Timeline: Next Steps Toward Securing the Victor Osimhen Transfer

Giuntoli aims to finalise Vlahovic’s exit by early July, freeing the executive window to submit an official proposal to Napoli before preseason kicks off. Allegri wants Osimhen in camp by 20 July, allowing three weeks to integrate before the U.S. tour. Meanwhile, Napoli’s scouting department will push to close replacements quickly, ensuring no perception of a fire sale.

What Could Go Wrong?

Several caveats remain. If Manchester United pivot to another striker, Juventus could struggle to generate the required capital. De Laurentiis may also prefer selling abroad to avoid strengthening a domestic foe. Finally, Osimhen’s own ambitions could shift should PSG formalise interest. The coming six weeks will be decisive.

Opinion: A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking

Signing Victor Osimhen would be the boldest Serie A move since Gonzalo Higuaín swapped Napoli for Juventus in 2016. The financial risk is undeniable, yet the upside—on-field output, commercial boost, and symbolic statement of intent—is greater. If Giuntoli pulls this off, the balance of power in Italy could swing back to Turin overnight.

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