Victor Osimhen Transfer Saga Baffles Europe’s Giants

Victor Osimhen remains one of the most prolific finishers on the planet, yet the Nigeria star is still waiting for the kind of bid he expected after a record-breaking season on loan at Galatasaray. His 37 goals in 41 games fired the Istanbul giants to a domestic double, but as the summer market opens, only Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal have put real money on the table for the Napoli striker.

Why Europe’s Elite Are Hesitating on Victor Osimhen

The question dominating Italian and Turkish back pages is simple: why are Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and half the Premier League sitting on their hands? Napoli’s €130 million release clause is not the only obstacle. Recruiters also worry about wage inflation, the scars of recent injuries and how quickly the forward adapts to new tactical systems. In an era of razor-thin Financial Fair Play margins, shelling out blockbuster fees for a No.9 is no longer automatic.

Financial Fair Play & Wage Demands

Even Europe’s wealthiest clubs are budgeting more carefully. Chelsea and Manchester United both blew nine-figure sums on forwards who misfired, leaving owners wary of another high-stakes gamble. Osimhen’s camp is seeking a net salary close to €12 million a year—manageable for a Gulf side with sovereign-backed coffers, but tricky for clubs balancing UEFA’s squad-cost ratio rules.

Napoli’s Hard-Line Stance

Aurelio De Laurentiis has never been a soft negotiator, and he sees no reason to discount a player under contract until 2026. The president believes a healthy Victor Osimhen is still worth every cent of that clause, pointing to Serie A’s 2022-23 title run as proof. He would rather keep an unhappy striker for another season than accept an offer he deems below market value.

Premier League Clubs Weighing the Risk

Arsenal like Osimhen’s relentless pressing and vertical runs, but with Kai Havertz thriving as a false nine, Mikel Arteta’s priority is a midfielder. Chelsea, meanwhile, have Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in need of minutes, and FFP clouds still hover over Stamford Bridge. Manchester United crave goals yet must sell before buying after last summer’s £72 million Rasmus Højlund deal. Liverpool explored the idea early in the window but decided that restructuring the midfield around Arne Slot was more urgent.

Real Madrid & PSG: Different Priorities

Los Blancos locked up Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, giving Carlo Ancelotti a crowded forward line. Madrid no longer view a pure No.9 as essential once Mbappé drifts central. PSG, for their part, start a post-Mbappé rebuild focused on younger, less expensive profiles who fit Luis Enrique’s high-press system. The French champions could pounce late if Osimhen’s price drops, but they refuse to set the market.

Saudi Pro League: The Lone Concrete Bid

Al-Hilal’s proposal reportedly tops €40 million per season, tax-free, dwarfing any European package. Yet sources close to Victor Osimhen say he still dreams of Premier League lights and Champions League music. Turning 26 in December, the forward believes one more season in Naples—or a loan with obligation—could reopen doors next summer when balance sheets reset.

What Next for Victor Osimhen?

Expect a slow dance. Napoli have no Champions League revenue in 2024-25 and need sales to fund Antonio Conte’s rebuild, but De Laurentiis also knows a firing Osimhen could propel them back into Europe’s top competition, raising his price again. A structured deal featuring a lower fixed fee and lucrative bonuses might satisfy all parties, yet no club has advanced beyond exploratory talks.

Opinion: A Gamble Worth Taking

If elite sides truly value goals, they should not overthink Victor Osimhen. Yes, the fee is huge and injuries linger, but few strikers blend pace, power and pressing so effortlessly. In a market short on guaranteed scorers, passing on the Nigerian now may look penny-wise, pound-foolish when those 37 goals become someone else’s highlight reel.