Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has urged Victor Osimhen to consider staying at Galatasaray if Juventus are unable to meet Napoli’s transfer demands for the Nigerian striker, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Serie A rivals are among the suitors vying for the signature of the Super Eagles attacker. But, just like the English Premier League clubs, Juventus are reportedly unwilling to meet his wage demand and transfer fee.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Adepoju — who was part of Nigeria’s iconic 1994 squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations and reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup — acknowledged his preference for a move to Italy but admitted the Turkish option is more realistic at this stage.
“I think in my own opinion, I would have loved him to move to Juventus, but if they cannot match his salary and the transfer fee that Napoli is asking for, then I think he should stay back at Galatasaray,” Adepoju said.
Osimhen has been at the centre of a summer-long transfer saga, with Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool all reportedly interested but yet to table concrete offers.
Juventus were also linked, but financial constraints appear to have stalled their pursuit.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, have made their intentions clear. The Turkish champions are currently in advanced negotiations with Napoli, hoping to make Osimhen’s stay in Istanbul permanent after a successful loan spell.
According to reports, Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu have travelled to Italy for face-to-face talks, with Galatasaray proposing to pay the €75 million release clause over three years — €25 million annually.
Osimhen has already rejected a mammoth €160 million offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and is said to have told Galatasaray he wants to stay.
Speaking further, Adepoju reveals the striker’s popularity in Turkey as another reason to remain with the Super Lig champions.
“The fans there love him, and he has spent a year there with a lot of success. I think he should continue there and have more success,” Adepoju said. “He is a good player and with Galatasaray, I believe they will also love to have him back. Once they can reach an agreement, he should join them, in my opinion.”
Osimhen’s decision is expected in the coming days as negotiations between Napoli and Galatasaray enter their final stage.
The Nigerian has already accepted a reported €16 million annual salary from the Turkish side, and the club is hoping their structured payment proposal — backed by commercial sponsors — will convince Napoli to seal the deal.
With no formal bids from England and Juventus hesitant, Galatasaray appear to be in pole position to land Osimhen permanently.