Galatasaray have successfully completed the permanent signing of Victor Osimhen from Napoli in a €75 million deal that includes a unique anti-Italian clause. Galatasaray will not be able to sell Osimhen to an Italian club before 2028. If they were to break this condition, they would be forced to send another €75m to the Serie A champions. This protective measure ensures Napoli won’t face their former striker in Serie A for the next three years.
Osimhen spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances for the club, and he is now set to rejoin the club on a permanent deal. His incredible goalscoring record during his temporary spell convinced both player and club that a permanent partnership made perfect sense.
Saudi Arabia Offer Rejected
The Nigerian international showed his commitment to Turkish football by turning down a massive financial offer from Saudi Arabia. He is now set to rejoin the club on a permanent deal after rejecting a €160 million contract proposal from Saudi Arabia. This decision demonstrates his preference for competitive European football over financial gain.
Romano said on his YouTube channel that the transfer has taken longer than expected because it is a complicated operation that involved a lot of bureaucratic hurdles. The intricate nature of the deal, involving loan-to-buy structures and various clauses, required extensive negotiations between all parties.
Payment Structure Agreed
Galatasaray bid on the table: €40m now plus €17.5m and €17.5m in installments. Napoli are open to this solution but insist on different payment terms and bank guarantees. The Turkish champions eventually satisfied Napoli’s financial requirements, allowing the deal to progress to completion.
Personal Terms Already Sealed
Sources report that Galatasaray have agreed personal terms with Osimhen and sealed an agreement with Napoli and are now entering the final stages of the transfer process. The player’s willingness to return permanently made contract negotiations straightforward.
Turkish Football Commitment
Osimhen’s decision to make his Galatasaray move permanent shows his belief in Turkish football’s competitive level. His outstanding performances during his loan spell proved he could thrive in the Super League environment while maintaining his scoring touch on the European stage.
For Napoli, this sale provides crucial funds while ensuring their former striker cannot immediately return to haunt them in Serie A. The anti-Italian clause protects their interests while the substantial transfer fee allows investment in squad rebuilding under their new management.
Fan Favorite Returns
Galatasaray supporters will be delighted to see their loan hero return permanently. Osimhen’s incredible goal return and commitment during his temporary spell made him an instant fan favorite, and his permanent signing represents a major statement of intent from the Turkish champions.
European Competition Benefits
His permanent presence gives Galatasaray a genuine chance to compete in European competitions with one of the continent’s most clinical finishers. Osimhen’s Champions League experience and proven goalscoring ability at the highest level make him invaluable for continental campaigns.
Record-Breaking Investment
The €75 million fee represents one of the largest investments in Turkish football history, showing Galatasaray’s ambition to compete with Europe’s elite clubs. This level of spending demonstrates their commitment to building a squad capable of sustained success domestically and internationally.
Three-Year Protection Clause
The innovative anti-Italian clause ensures Osimhen cannot return to Serie A until 2028, giving Napoli protection from facing their former star. This arrangement benefits all parties while allowing the striker to focus entirely on his Turkish adventure without speculation about immediate returns to Italy.
Long-Term Partnership Vision
Both player and club have committed to a long-term partnership that could define the next phase of Osimhen’s career. His prime years will now be spent in Istanbul, where he can continue developing while helping Galatasaray achieve their ambitious domestic and European objectives.
New Chapter in Istanbul
For Osimhen, this permanent move represents stability and the chance to build something special in Turkish football. His journey from Napoli through a successful loan to permanent residence in Istanbul shows his adaptability and determination to succeed wherever his career takes him.