The domino of centre-forwards across half of Europe is ready to fall into motion, and the first tile that could set everything in motion might be represented by the choice Victor Osimhen will have to make.
The Nigerian striker will officially return on June 30 from his loan at Galatasaray, but he will be Napoli's most profitable sale of this summer transfer window. But after saying no to the offer from Al-Hilal, where could the former Lille man end up?
The rejection to Saudi Arabia and Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal outfit
Osimhen today said no to the mega-offer from Al-Hilal, now coached by Simone Inzaghi, to move to Saudi Arabia. On the table was a massive salary of 40 million euros gross per year and the payment of the release clause in favor of Napoli. Al-Hilal wanted him for the Club World Cup in the United States, but the Nigerian number 9 said no because at 26 years old he still feels in the prime of his career and wants to try to compete to win something in a top European league or even the Champions League.
How does Osimhen's clause work?
In Osimhen’s contract with Napoli, which expires on June 30, 2026, there is, first of all, a renewal clause in favor of the club until June 30, 2027, but also a release clause of 75 million euros valid for abroad starting from July 15 and with the possibility of payment in two installments. Therefore, Aurelio De Laurentiis will not grant discounts and, in the event of contact with Italian clubs, he will demand the exact same amount.
Galatasaray reportedly optimistic:
Osimhen currently earns 10 million euros per year from Napoli, and Galatasaray is ready to guarantee him the same amount, although they are not willing to reach the 75 million euros of the release clause. On Tuesday evening, the vice president of the Yellow-Reds, Ibrahim Hatipoglu, reiterated his confidence: “With each passing day, the chances that he could stay at Galatasaray increase. Abdullah Kavukcu, head of transfers, is managing the deal along with the Italian agent George Gardi, although it’s not easy.”, as relayed via Calciomercato.com.
Rumors about Serie A sides AC Milan and Juventus...
And what if it’s not Galatasaray? For some time now, rumors and market whispers have been circulating about the possible stay in Serie A of the centre-forward who won the Scudetto with Napoli in 2022/23. Juventus had placed him at the top of the list of targets to replace Dusan Vlahovic when Giuntoli (who brought him to the Azzurri) was still there, but today the Tuscan executive is no longer in Turin. Milan, who are looking for a top number 9, might consider investing in him only if Rafael Leao were to leave (although Bayern has cooled its interest).
What about the Premier League destination?
But Osimhen’s priority today is something else. His hope has always been to test himself in the Premier League, a league that can not only support his high salary, but also offers a more important international showcase. Among the top clubs looking for a striker are Arsenal, Chelsea, and especially Premier League side Manchester United, who could let Rasmus Hojlund leave for Inter, setting off the domino of leading strikers across Europe.
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