Victor Osimhen’s football future is under fresh speculation as French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) move to hijack his proposed permanent transfer to Galatasaray. The development comes on the heels of Napoli’s decision to exclude the Super Eagles forward from their 30-man squad for pre-season training under newly appointed coach Antonio Conte.
Osimhen, 26, had returned to Napoli following a remarkable loan stint with Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he netted 37 goals in 41 appearances. Despite his prolific form, Napoli have sidelined him, fuelling rumours of an imminent move.
A medical note was reportedly submitted by the striker to excuse himself from the club’s pre-season medical tests, a move seen by many as a strategy to force a permanent exit. Though Galatasaray remain favourites to secure his signature, PSG’s sudden interest has injected uncertainty into the transfer proceedings.
According to French outlet L’Équipe, PSG’s Sporting Director, Luis Campos, has personally reached out to Osimhen. Campos, who signed the Nigerian international for Lille in 2019, is said to be leveraging his relationship with the striker to lure him to Paris.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that talks between Napoli and Galatasaray are ongoing. “Negotiations between Napoli and Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen are again underway right now. Napoli sent their counter-proposal to Galatasaray, ready to make decision soon on new conditions. Osimhen keeps waiting,” Romano wrote.
Despite the interest from PSG and even a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, sources close to Osimhen suggest he is “open” to a return to Turkey.
However, not everyone is convinced that PSG is the right destination. Bruno Satin, former agent of Kalidou Koulibaly, questioned the fit of Osimhen in Luis Enrique’s system. “Osimhen? I don’t know if PSG can count on him,” he said in an interview with Kiss Kiss Napoli radio. “Luis Enrique’s first choice isn’t to have a traditional striker; he always prefers to use Dembele as a ‘false nine.’ Signing Victor would make him a starter, which could complicate the mechanisms already in place with the Frenchman.”
Napoli are reportedly holding firm to a €75 million valuation, even though the player’s release clause expired earlier in the week. The Serie A club is requesting an upfront payment of €50 million, with the remaining €25 million payable by the end of 2026. Galatasaray have agreed in principle to issue a letter of credit to guarantee full payment, though administrative delays may slow final confirmation of the deal.
Besides Osimhen, five other players have also been dropped from Napoli’s pre-season camp: Cyril Ngonge, Walid Cheddira, Jesper Lindstrom, Michael Folorunsho, Jens Cajuste, and Giuseppe Ambrosino.
