Galatasaray Make First Move for Osimhen with €50M Offer — But Napoli Stand Firm

Galatasaray have made headlines across Europe after submitting an official bid for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen — a bold move that signals the Turkish giants’ intent to return to Europe’s top table. The offer, reported to be worth €50 million upfront with an additional €5 million in add-ons, marks the first formal attempt to prise the Nigerian star away from Naples.

Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that while Napoli acknowledged the bid, it falls short of their valuation of the 25-year-old forward, who has a release clause believed to be over €100 million. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for playing hardball in transfer negotiations and is unlikely to entertain offers that don’t meet the club’s expectations.

Osimhen, who scored 15 goals in Serie A last season despite battling injuries, has been on the radar of several European clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and Arsenal. But Galatasaray’s opening move has surprised many — not only because of the stature of the player involved, but also due to the boldness of the bid.

“This is a statement,” one Turkish football journalist said. “Galatasaray are not just looking to win the Süper Lig — they want to make their mark in the Champions League again. And they believe Osimhen could be the centerpiece of that dream.”

For Osimhen himself, the next few weeks could prove crucial. The striker has not publicly commented on the Galatasaray interest, but insiders suggest he remains open to a new challenge — provided the move aligns with his sporting ambitions.

“Victor wants to compete at the highest level,” said a source close to the player. “He respects Napoli and what they’ve done for him, but he’s also thinking about the next step in his career.”

Still, the size of Galatasaray’s offer — though significant — may not be enough to tempt Napoli to sell. The Serie A side see Osimhen as a generational talent, and with his contract running until 2026, they are under no pressure to accept any deal below their valuation.

The timing of the bid is also notable. Napoli, under new manager Antonio Conte, are reportedly planning a squad rebuild around a core of experienced players. Losing Osimhen this early in the summer without a ready-made replacement could complicate those plans.

For Galatasaray, the offer is just the beginning. Club executives are reportedly preparing a second bid and may consider including players in the deal or adjusting the bonus structure to appeal more strongly to Napoli’s demands.

What’s clear is that this transfer saga is far from over — and with the European football market heating up, Galatasaray’s audacious opening move may just be the start of a summer full of surprises.