SSC Napoli director Mauro Meluso has indicated that the club might pursue a permanent transfer for star striker Victor Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window. After a turbulent summer filled with speculation about his future, Osimhen finds himself on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray. However, Napoli’s latest comments suggest that the club might bring him back mid-season to engineer a permanent sale.
A Premier League Dream Deferred
Throughout the summer, Osimhen was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, as the London club sought a top-class striker to bolster their squad. Negotiations between Osimhen’s representatives and Chelsea progressed, with the two sides reportedly coming close to finalizing a deal. However, the move ultimately fell through when personal terms could not be agreed. Despite several contract offers from Chelsea, the Nigerian striker’s camp never provided a definitive response to the final terms proposed. This left Chelsea scrambling for alternatives while Osimhen’s future remained uncertain.
Osimhen’s failed move to the Premier League came as a shock to many, given the striker’s ambition to play in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, rather than remaining in limbo, Napoli quickly sought a temporary solution that would allow him to continue playing and maintain his market value.
Surprising Move to Galatasaray
Osimhen’s eventual loan move to Galatasaray came as an unexpected twist. The Turkish giants stepped in to secure the striker’s services for the first half of the season, agreeing to cover his full €10 million salary. The loan arrangement also included a crucial break clause, giving Napoli the option to recall Osimhen in January if a suitable permanent offer emerged.
The decision to loan Osimhen rather than retain him in Napoli’s squad was a pragmatic one, according to Meluso. The director explained that the move was necessary because the player no longer wanted to remain part of the club’s first team. Rather than allow tensions to disrupt the squad, Napoli chose to facilitate his exit while keeping open the possibility of a mid-season transfer.
“It was a last-minute solution so he would not lose the first three months of the season,” Meluso said when discussing the loan arrangement. “We will see in January.”
Osimhen has adapted well to life in Turkey, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first three games for Galatasaray. His early success has kept his stock high, making it likely that clubs will line up with offers in the winter transfer window.
Napoli’s Changing Transfer Strategy
Napoli’s intention to sell Osimhen in January is driven by several factors, including the expiration of his £109 million release clause at the end of the summer transfer window. With this clause no longer in effect, the club is reportedly willing to entertain offers in the region of £68 million. This reduced asking price makes the Nigerian international an attractive target for Premier League clubs and other top European teams seeking a proven goal-scorer.
Meluso’s comments at the Palermo Football Conference further highlighted the club’s willingness to move on from Osimhen. He revealed that the striker’s desire to leave had been brewing for some time, and even hinted that Napoli might have accepted a lucrative offer for him earlier if circumstances had been different. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, however, rejected previous bids in an effort to keep the squad competitive.
“He no longer wanted to be part of the first team,” Meluso admitted. “He had received an important offer even before I arrived at Napoli, but Aurelio De Laurentiis didn’t consider it because he thought about the club’s good. He may have made wrong decisions, but he did them to keep Napoli competitive.”
Potential Premier League Suitors
Osimhen’s availability in January is expected to reignite interest from several Premier League clubs. Chelsea, having failed to secure the striker in the summer, could return with a renewed bid. Their need for a clinical finisher has only grown after an inconsistent start to the season, and Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess makes him an ideal candidate to solve their problems in attack.
Other Premier League teams, including Manchester United and Arsenal, could also enter the race for Osimhen’s signature. Both clubs have been linked with the Nigerian forward in the past and might view him as a valuable addition to their squads. Arsenal, in particular, could benefit from additional firepower to complement Gabriel Jesus and bolster their title ambitions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s search for a reliable striker has been ongoing, and Osimhen’s combination of pace, power, and clinical finishing fits the profile they are seeking. With Napoli willing to negotiate a sale at a more reasonable price, the Red Devils could be tempted to make a serious approach in January.
Galatasaray’s Hopes and Napoli’s Calculations
Galatasaray, for their part, would undoubtedly love to keep Osimhen for the full season given his impressive start. However, the inclusion of the break clause in his loan deal makes it clear that Napoli intended this arrangement as a short-term solution. Should a club meet Napoli’s asking price in January, the Turkish side would be powerless to prevent his return to Italy and subsequent sale elsewhere.
For Napoli, the prospect of cashing in on Osimhen aligns with their broader strategy of reinvesting in the squad. The club has a history of selling high-profile players and using the proceeds to strengthen multiple areas of the team. A January sale could provide much-needed funds to pursue new targets or address any weaknesses identified during the first half of the season.
Meluso’s comments suggest that Napoli are ready to move on from the Osimhen saga, especially given the striker’s desire to leave. By facilitating a loan to Galatasaray, the club bought themselves time to evaluate their options and ensure they can extract maximum value from any future sale.
What Lies Ahead for Osimhen?
Osimhen’s career trajectory remains uncertain, but the January transfer window could be pivotal in determining his next steps. Whether he returns to Italy or makes a long-awaited move to the Premier League, the striker’s performances at Galatasaray will likely keep him on the radar of Europe’s top clubs.
His ability to adapt quickly in Turkey demonstrates his resilience and determination, traits that will serve him well as he navigates the next phase of his career. If he continues to impress at Galatasaray, he could position himself for a major move in January, possibly to the Premier League—a destination he has long been linked with.
For Napoli, parting ways with Osimhen would mark the end of a chapter but also provide an opportunity to rebuild. The club’s focus will be on ensuring that any sale aligns with their financial goals and sporting ambitions, as they look to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.
In the months ahead, all eyes will be on Osimhen and Napoli as the January window approaches. Whether he becomes the latest star to join the Premier League or embarks on a new adventure elsewhere, Osimhen’s story is far from over.
