Quote from Alex bobby on June 26, 2025, 8:14 AM

Transfer Uncertainty: No European Club Wants Osimhen, Galatasaray Reportedly Makes Best Offer

Despite his impressive talent and goal-scoring prowess, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen finds himself in an unexpected position this transfer window: unwanted by top European clubs, according to Turkish football analyst Kaya Çilingiroğlu. In a surprising twist for one of Africa’s most celebrated forwards, only Galatasaray is said to have made a serious offer for the Nigerian international — and at far less than his expected market value.

Osimhen, who recently wrapped up a highly successful loan spell at Galatasaray, is now back with Napoli, but his future remains uncertain. The 26-year-old scored 37 goals in 41 appearances during his time in Turkey, once again proving his attacking brilliance and natural finishing instinct. Yet, according to Çilingiroğlu, no European powerhouse is stepping forward with a concrete offer, primarily due to his high wage demands.

€40 Million Salary Proving to Be a Dealbreaker

Speaking on TRT Spor, Çilingiroğlu claimed that Osimhen’s desired salary — a reported €40 million per year — is scaring away potential suitors from Europe's top leagues. This figure, which places him in the same earning bracket as the sport’s elite, is proving to be a major obstacle.

“Victor Osimhen has all kinds of talent, but no European team wants him,” Çilingiroğlu stated.
“Arab teams don’t want him very much either. Galatasaray is offering €25 million, but European teams need to offer €40 million to get this amount. Galatasaray made the best offer anyway.”

The Turkish giants’ offer — reportedly the best on the table — is far below what Napoli or Osimhen’s camp had hoped for. The lack of competitive offers from other clubs has left Osimhen with limited options as the 2025/2026 season approaches.

Premier League Dreams Still Alive?

Osimhen has long been linked with Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal, all of which have been in need of a clinical striker. However, there has been no formal bid from these sides, despite months of speculation. Financial fair play constraints and tactical priorities may be playing a role in dampening the interest.

Still, many within the football world — including former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi — believe Osimhen still has much to offer in Europe and should avoid making a hasty move elsewhere, particularly to Saudi Arabia.

Mikel Obi: “It Would Be a Shame”

In a recent interview with Metro, Mikel Obi urged Osimhen to resist the temptation of a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. He warned that such a step could limit his legacy and slow down his development at a key stage of his career.

“I hope there is still a Premier League move for him this summer,” Mikel said.
“I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe. It would be a shame to see him go there.”

Mikel pointed out that clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG should still be considered viable options, even if no offers have materialised yet. He added that Osimhen’s peak years are just beginning, and that the forward should focus on remaining competitive at the highest level of European football.

Saudi Interest on the Sidelines

While Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has been loosely linked with Osimhen, insiders claim that the interest is lukewarm at best. Despite the vast financial resources of Saudi clubs, it appears that Osimhen — unlike several other high-profile players — does not currently rank high on their target lists.

This development adds to the complexity of Osimhen’s situation. He is too expensive for most European clubs, yet not quite a priority for Saudi teams, leaving Galatasaray’s €25 million offer as the only viable move on the table so far.

What’s Next for Osimhen?

The transfer saga surrounding Victor Osimhen has become a story of unmet expectations. Once considered among the most sought-after strikers in Europe after his breakout season with Napoli in 2022/23, the Nigerian star now finds himself in limbo, waiting for a club willing to meet both his valuation and his salary expectations.

A return to Galatasaray cannot be ruled out — especially given his goal-scoring record there and the club's desire to retain him. However, a permanent deal would likely require Osimhen to adjust his salary demands if he is to continue his career in Istanbul.

Alternatively, Napoli may decide to keep him and integrate him back into the squad, though that could also be complicated given his likely desire for a new challenge.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s transfer future hangs in the balance as Europe’s top clubs shy away from his hefty wage demands. While Galatasaray has reportedly made the most serious offer, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian forward will return to Turkey, reduce his salary expectations for a European move, or consider a last-minute switch to Saudi Arabia.

For now, one of Africa’s brightest footballing stars must wait — as the football world watches to see who, if anyone, is willing to bet big on his talent.

Meta Description 

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen faces an uncertain transfer future as European clubs shy away from his €40M salary demands, with Galatasaray making the best offer so far at €25M.