Victor Osimhen has reportedly told Galatasaray he wants to stay with the Turkish champions, putting his long-rumoured Premier League move on hold—at least for now, Soccernet.ng reports.
After weeks of speculation linking the Super Eagles striker with Manchester United and Liverpool, it appears Galatasaray have taken the lead in the race for his signature.
According to Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, Osimhen has made it “very, very clear” that he wants to leave Napoli, and has already said “yes” to continuing his career in Turkey.
Exclusive: Victor James Osimhen says YES to Galatasaray & wants to continue with the Turkish Team.
– Napoli for weeks have been pleading with Victor Osimhen to stay.
– Osimhen has made it very very clear that he wants to leave.
– Galatasaray and Napoli are currently in… pic.twitter.com/3W18L1ZEUJ— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) July 7, 2025
Napoli, for their part, have been trying to convince the striker to stay, but their efforts seem to have fallen flat. The Serie A club are now in formal negotiations with Galatasaray over the payment structure of Osimhen’s €75 million release clause.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Galatasaray have already submitted an opening bid of €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Napoli are holding out for more, but the Turkish club remain optimistic, especially with sponsors prepared to step in and support the financial package.
Osimhen is reportedly enthusiastic about returning to Galatasaray, where he impressed during a recent loan spell. However, the final decision will depend on how talks between both clubs progress in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal remain in the mix, and are willing to pay Osimhen’s full release clause. But according to Romano, they have not yet reached an agreement with the player, giving Galatasaray a clear advantage in the race—if they can meet Napoli’s demands.
With no concrete offers from Premier League clubs so far, Osimhen’s dream of playing in England could be shelved, as the striker inches closer to a historic move back to Istanbul.