Victor Osimhen's Transfer Saga: A Star's Uncertain Future

Victor Osimhen's transfer future hangs in the balance. Explore the striker's current situation, potential suitors, and the factors influencing his next move.

Victor Osimhen's move to the Premier League is being delayed due to various factors. One major issue is the player's high release clause of £113m/€138m, which is deterring potential buyers.

The Nigerian striker's success in helping Napoli win their first Scudetto in decades has increased his market value, making clubs hesitant to meet his valuation. Despite interest from top European clubs, negotiations have been slow, leaving Osimhen's future uncertain.

Several Premier League clubs have been linked to Osimhen, but the hefty transfer fee is a significant obstacle. His impressive performances on the pitch have made him a sought-after talent, but a deal remains elusive.

Osimhen's high asking price, driven by his agent's efforts to maximize his value, has backfired due to Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules. These regulations have limited clubs' willingness to meet his valuation, hindering a potential transfer.

A potential transfer to Chelsea last summer seemed likely for Victor Osimhen, who had scored 15 goals and provided 3 assists in 25 appearances despite struggling with injuries. However, holding out for top dollar a year later, after his form and goal-scoring rate had declined, may not have been the best strategy.

After contributing 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches during Napoli's title-winning season, Osimhen's value soared. But when his form dipped, Napoli's insistence on a high fee deterred potential buyers, complicating his transfer plans.

Osimhen's Unexpected Lifeline

After Chelsea's negotiations fell apart, Osimhen was left without a clear transfer path. However, Galatasaray's interest provided an unexpected solution, saving him from a potential season on the bench.

Victor Osimhen has staged a remarkable resurgence in form during the 2024/25 season with Galatasaray in Turkey. The striker has scored 31 goals and provided 6 assists in 34 league and cup games, showcasing his impressive goal-scoring ability. Although the Süper Lig may not be considered one of the strongest leagues, Osimhen's performances have still been outstanding, and he's once again become a highly coveted player.

Al Hilal, a Saudi club, had agreed to pay Osimhen's reduced release clause of €75m (£63.2m) and offered him a lucrative salary of €30m per season. However, Osimhen reportedly turned down the deal, confident that he still has what it takes to compete with top European players.

Osimhen's European Ambition

Victor Osimhen has once again turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al Hilal's offer rejected despite a reduced release clause of €75m (£63.2m) and a lucrative salary of €30m per season. His ex-agent, Roberto Calenda, had previously emphasized Osimhen's desire to continue his career in Europe, saying: ”Osimhen is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth at the Ballon d'Or, he still has so much to do in Europe.”

With Osimhen's move to Saudi Arabia off the table, other clubs now have the opportunity to sign a player who has received high praise. Nigerian national team manager Eric Chelle recently lauded Osimhen, saying: “Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world. For him it is difficult to come for this (international) game because he played a season with a lot of pressure.” This endorsement highlights Osimhen's exceptional talent and potential value to any team.

“The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%.

“Maybe a club like Manchester United or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid will come in for him. So he needs to be focused on that.”

Osimhen's Resurgence

Victor Osimhen has regained his form, boasting a 60.3% shooting accuracy and 31.3% shot conversion rate. However, his 66.6% passing accuracy is his lowest in recent seasons, an area he'll need to improve to succeed at a new club. Notably, Osimhen's tireless work rate, both on and off the ball, is often underappreciated, yet it's a key aspect of his game.

Osimhen excels in one-on-one duels, winning the majority (254 successful out of 449 attempted) both aerially and on the ground. His upper body strength is a notable asset, allowing him to hold off opponents despite his slender frame. This physicality makes it challenging for defenders to strong-arm him off the ball.

🇳🇬⚽️ Victor Osimhen in the Süper Lig this season

🥇 Most goals
🥇 Most non-penalty goals
🥇 Most goals per 100 touches
🥇 Most goals + assists
🥇 Most expected goals
🥇 Most shots on target
🥇 Most xG + xA
🥇 Most xA per 100 passes

📊 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/WTqqxSEA4n

— DataMB (@DataMB_) June 10, 2025

Osimhen's Market Value

Despite Victor Osimhen's impressive xG of 24.3 last season and his goal-scoring ability, clubs seem hesitant to pursue him. The full financial package might still be too prohibitive. Additionally, the challenging negotiations with Napoli may have deterred potential suitors, with Italian sports journalist Daniele Verri describing the club's representatives as “very stubborn people.”

Another factor might be English clubs' hesitation due to Osimhen's history of injuries and inconsistent form at the highest level, despite his stated desire to play in the Premier League. It's likely a combination of these factors – the financial package, negotiation challenges, and concerns over his injury record – that's contributing to the cautious approach from potential suitors.

It's clear that Victor Osimhen won't be playing for Galatasaray or Napoli next season. Resolving his situation promptly would be beneficial for all parties involved, allowing him to focus on his game and potential new club.