United, Napoli Close to agreement for Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen on a new deal with Italian Serie A side Napoli.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has become the most valuable player in the Turkish Super Lig, with a market value of €100m, surpassing second-placed Nicolò Zaniolo by €70m, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The Nigerian international, who joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli last summer after proposed moves to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia fell through, has continued to validate his high market value with 19 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish club.
Osimhen's €100m valuation surpasses Zaniolo's, who was valued at €30m when he transferred from Roma to Galatasaray in February 2023.
The 2023 CAF African Player of the Year tops a prestigious list featuring Zaniolo (€30m), Jean Michael Seri (€25m), Steven Nzonzi (€23m), Tanguy Ndombele (€22m), Sofyan Amrabat (€22m), Mauro Icardi (€22m), Wilfried Zaha (€22m), and former Manchester United player Fred (€20m).
Meanwhile, the Nigerian player may be on the verge of another significant transfer this summer, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain both presenting verbal offers for his services.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu stated that both European heavyweights have reached an agreement with Napoli to activate the €75m release clause for the striker, which becomes effective when the summer transfer window is opened.
"Victor Osimhen is on the verge of signing a deal with a highly respected management company. A Real Madrid player is playing a key role in facilitating these negotiations. This development essentially diminishes the likelihood of Osimhen remaining at Galatasaray beyond his current contract's expiration in June. Both PSG and Manchester United have made verbal offers regarding his salary and contract duration," Sabuncuoglu stated to Haber Sari Kirmizi.
“Since both clubs are willing to meet Napoli’s release clause, it will be extremely challenging for Galatasaray to compete. A summer transfer appears to be almost a certainty.”
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is said to be keen on signing the Nigerian player to address the team's goal-scoring issues, as the current forwards, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, are facing difficulties in adjusting to the physical demands of the English Premier League.
Manchester United's football department, led by Jason Wilcox, is considering multiple possibilities, including a potential player-swap transaction, however Napoli's preference is a straightforward cash transaction.
Osimhen's path to becoming Turkey's most valuable import started after a failed attempt at a permanent transfer last summer, when his €130m release clause was deemed too expensive by potential buyers, including Premier League giants Chelsea and Saudi clubs.
The subsequent loan move to Galatasaray sparked controversy across Europe, but the 25-year-old has justified the Turkish giants' confidence with outstanding performances.
His influence has been swift and significant. He played a crucial role in propelling Galatasaray to the top of the Super Lig while also helping the club advance to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, where they now face a substantial challenge after suffering a 4-1 first-leg loss to AZ Alkmaar during Osimhen's absence.
The player's achievement in Turkey is another milestone in his impressive career growth in European football, coming off the back of his leadership role in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A championship in a 33-year period during the 2022/23 season.
That campaign saw him score 26 league goals to win the Capocannoniere as Serie A's top scorer, becoming the first African to achieve this distinction.
Galatasaray's dominance of the Turkish transfer market is clear from the numbers, with eight of their deals appearing in the top 10 most expensive transfers to the Super Lig. Only Fenerbahce, with Fred and Amrabat, were able to break the Istanbul giants' hold on high-profile signings.
The only player in the top 15 from outside of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce is Miralem Pjanic, who joined Besiktas from Barcelona in the year 2021.
PSG's interest in Osimhen comes from their goal of replacing Randal Kolo Muani, who was loaned to Juventus. Despite dominating Ligue 1 without a natural striker, the French champions see Osimhen as a perfect fit for their attacking lineup.
In January, Galatasaray made a €65m offer to Napoli in an attempt to finalize a permanent deal, but Napoli turned down the bid, insisting on the €75m release clause that will become active this summer.
The Nigerian striker's next decision will have a significant impact on his career path, as both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain present different sports projects. While PSG offers the guarantee of playing in the Champions League and likely domestic success, the prospect of leading United's resurgence under Amorim's management may also be very appealing.
Osimhen's performance hasn't shown any decline despite the ongoing transfer rumors, retaining the same level of ruthless effectiveness that earned him an eighth-place finish in the 2023 Ballon d'Or voting. His unique blend of physical dominance, aggressive pressing, and exceptional speed keeps him a top target among European clubs seeking a top striker.
As the summer transfer window draws near, all attention will be on the Nigerian's future club, but for the time being, he is concentrating on helping Galatasaray continue their impressive performance in both domestic and European competitions.
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