A combination of financial constraints, ongoing injury issues, and changing tactical needs has created a storm around Victor Osimhen.
Despite his remarkable goal-scoring abilities, the Nigerian forward finds himself in a challenging situation that makes his move to one of Europe’s top soccer clubs in the summer of 2025 virtually impossible. As a result, Napoli and Galatasaray have finalized a permanent transfer for €75 million (€40 million upfront + €35 million later).
It’s no longer just about talent – it’s about risk, and few top-tier clubs are willing to take it.
A Prohibitive Financial Package
The core of the issue revolves around Napoli’s ambitious and restrictive transfer strategy. The Italian team have established a €75 million release clause for Osimhen. While this figure accurately reflects his market value as a prolific forward, it also acts as a significant barrier for potential buyers.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is renowned for his insightful and often complex deal-making. The terms attached to an Osimhen sale are a testament to this reputation.
Victor Osimhen bir forvet transferi değil piskolojik üstünlük hamlesidir
— 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐈̇𝐎 (@Marcio05Gs) July 21, 2025
The Italian side are reportedly insisting on several strict conditions that complicate any potential move, both financially and logistically. These terms include a 20% commission on any future resale of the player, a requirement to provide substantial bank guarantees to ensure full payment, and a restrictive agreement prohibiting his sale to another Italian club until 2027.
These conditions create difficulties for the purchasing team. The resale condition reduces future economic benefits, bank guarantees increase the administrative burden, and the ban on internal transfers limits future strategic opportunities.
Karakter, duruş, cesaret, vefa…
Victor Osimhen yeniden Galatasaray’da! pic.twitter.com/QcMR1H3PNA— Gala Report (@_GalaReport) July 20, 2025
Together, these requirements turn a simple move into a complex financial negotiation, which discourages elite clubs that prefer more transparent and straightforward deals.
Salary Demands
The transfer fee for Osimhen is complicated by his salary expectations. The forward is reportedly seeking a contract worth around €12 million net per season. This amount positions him among the highest earners, representing a considerable commitment for any team, especially given the stringent Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in place.
🇬🇪🇳🇬 Kvicha Kvaratskhelia x Victor Osimhen. What a great duo this was for Napoli. 🤩🤝 pic.twitter.com/rJxCW12AeJ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 17, 2025
Premier League clubs, which were once considered the most likely destination for the player, have become more cautious. The combination of a high wage and significant transfer fees could result in a total investment of nearly €150 million over the course of the contract. This amount is remarkable for a player whose injury history raises concerns.
Persistent Fitness and Injury Concerns
This brings us to the next crucial factor: Osimhen’s fitness. Although his goal-per-game ratio is impressive, concerns persist about his availability.
During his time at Napoli, he has often missed long periods of action, frequently sidelined for 10 or more league games per season due to various injuries.
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’da. pic.twitter.com/EbJfb2ORgN
— biyogala (@biyogala) July 20, 2025
For a team competing on multiple fronts, such as the domestic league, domestic cup, and the Champions League, having a deep squad and reliable player availability is crucial. Investing nine figures in a top player who might miss a quarter of the season presents a great risk.
Top clubs are not only acquiring talent but also reliability. Osimhen’s injury history adds a level of unpredictability that many elite teams are reluctant to accept at that price point.
Player Preference and Personal Priorities
In addition to economic and physical factors, the player’s personal preferences seem to be guiding him away from the typical top-tier career path. Reports indicate that Osimhen has already declined some offers from leading European clubs. This suggests a strong personal inclination that may not align with the expectations of a player in his prime.
Is Victor Osimhen the greatest player to ever join a Turkish club on permanent deal? pic.twitter.com/A6xwCB01cr
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) July 20, 2025
There is increasing speculation that he prefers a return to Galatasaray, a team where he had a successful stint previously and would be the undisputed star. This suggests a desire for a familiar and supportive environment, as opposed to the intense pressure of clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Bayern Munich.
Deteriorating Club Relationship
The situation is further complicated by the strained relationship between the player and his current club. Last year, tensions escalated to the point where Osimhen was briefly removed from the Napoli squad before being loaned out. This public breakdown of trust has created a scenario in which a departure is seen as the best outcome for both parties.
However, this also means that Napoli is determined to control the narrative surrounding his exit and to structure a deal that maximizes their own benefits.
🚨 Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’dan bu sezon alacağı 16 milyon Euro’luk maaşın 5 milyon Euro’luk kısmından feragat ederek bonservis bedeline eklenmesini istedi.
(Di Marzio) pic.twitter.com/K8wclScAJk
— Anarşik (@Aklini_Alirim7) July 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Osimhen is seeking a new destination where he feels valued and can perform without the off-field drama that has overshadowed his recent performances in Italy.
Evolving Tactical Demands
There are strong tactical reasons why joining a top-tier team may not be as easy as it seems on paper.
Many top managers, such as Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Enzo Maresca, favor interchangeable attacking formations. In these systems, forwards are expected to play an important role in both combination play and pressing the opposition. This approach often requires forwards who can drift wide, drop deep, and create space for their teammates.
.@FabrizioRomano’nun, Instagram’da Victor Osimhen haberinde kullandığı fotoğraf 😂 pic.twitter.com/T3Ad7NM2QO
— saruhan (@saruh5n) July 20, 2025
Osimhen is an exceptional goalscorer who thrives in the penalty box and serves as a key player in a 4-2-3-1 formation or similar setups. However, there are concerns about his ability to adapt to a system that requires frequent positional rotations and a large amount of defensive work from forwards.
While he is far from static, his primary strengths lie in his explosive movements in and around the penalty area, not necessarily in the link-up play or the systematic pressing required in these strategies.
Additionally, rumors about off-field temperament issues have emerged, and while often unverified, they introduce another level of risk for clubs where cohesion and team harmony are crucial.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Victor Osimhen’s future in 2025 appears to lead him away from Europe’s top teams.
Several factors contribute to this outlook: Napoli’s financial demands, Osimhen’s high salary expectations, his concerning injury history, and a potential mismatch with the tactical systems of elite teams – all of which present considerable challenges.
