Soccer
Victor Osimhen’s transfer saga has taken a dramatic new turn, with two high-profile managers personally contacting the Napoli striker within just 48 hours, Soccernet.ng reports.
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk has now joined Al-Hilal’s Simone Inzaghi in picking the phone and pushing for a move, while Liverpool edge closer with firm negotiations ongoing.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has reportedly called Victor Osimhen to convince the 26-year-old to stay permanently in Turkey following a prolific loan spell in Istanbul.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Turkish tactician outlined his ambitious plans for the new season, hoping to build a Champions League-chasing side around the Nigerian striker.
Buruk is said to have laid out Galatasaray’s transfer blueprint and reaffirmed Osimhen’s central role in the team’s project, especially after the arrival of free-agent Leroy Sané. The conversation, described as “detailed and persuasive,” came amid growing pressure from Gala’s hierarchy, who are eager to wrap up the deal.
Club vice president Abdullah Kavucku voiced frustration earlier this week, stating:
“Osimhen must decide as soon as possible. We made a much higher offer than other clubs and are not considering a Plan B. We want Osimhen, and we’ve also spoken with Napoli.”
Before Buruk’s call, however, Osimhen’s phone had rang after he was contacted all the way from Saudi Arabia.
Simone Inzaghi, newly appointed Al-Hilal boss, reportedly held talks with the striker to personally present the Saudi club’s mega offer. Al-Hilal are offering a three-year deal worth €40 million net per season — a figure that would make Osimhen the highest-paid Nigerian player in history, overtaking Odion Ighalo’s Shanghai Shenhua salary.
As earlier reported by soccernet.ng, the call was part of a strategic push to convince Osimhen that a move to the Saudi Pro League, both financially and competitively, could elevate his career. With Al-Hilal willing to trigger Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, Napoli’s exit door appears wide open.
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Victor Osimhen: Liverpool edge closer
While Buruk and Inzaghi are pulling directly at Osimhen’s heartstrings, Liverpool are trying a different approach — cold negotiation.
Talks between the Reds and Napoli have intensified in recent days, with a complex triple-swap deal involving Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa, and additional cash reportedly on the table.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, however, is standing firm as he demands the full €75 million clause. Journalist Valter De Maggio reported that while Liverpool are open to player trades, Napoli want Núñez, Chiesa and €20 million cash.
Núñez, it’s believed, has already given the green light for a move to Naples, which raises the likelihood of three separate transactions to avoid a convoluted swap.
Liverpool, fresh off a £190 million summer spree, view Osimhen as their missing No.9 — a powerful forward who fits Arne Slot’s high-pressing attacking system.
Napoli’s domino plan
Osimhen’s departure is key to Napoli’s rebuild under Antonio Conte. The funds from his sale would unlock moves for PSV’s Noa Lang, Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, and possibly Darwin Núñez. With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia already off to PSG in January, Napoli are gearing up for a new offensive era.
For Osimhen, the decision looms: return to familiar glory at Galatasaray, chase a golden payday in Saudi Arabia, or answer Liverpool’s call to Premier League glory. Two calls in two days, and one of football’s most coveted signatures is still up for grabs.
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