Osimhen saga deepens: Galatasaray directors extend stay in Italy

The high-stakes transfer saga surrounding Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has taken another twist, as Galatasaray directors, initially slated to return to Turkey from Milan this morning, have extended their stay in Italy. Their decision underscores the Turkish club's eagerness to hammer out a definitive agreement with Napoli for the prolific striker.

Galatasaray's representatives had booked a return flight for Friday morning, but their unwavering commitment to securing Osimhen's permanent transfer has led them to prolong negotiations on Italian soil. This unexpected continuation of talks suggests that a breakthrough could be imminent or, at the very least, that both parties are deeply invested in finding common ground.

Crucially, Osimhen himself is reportedly keen to remain at Galatasaray beyond the summer, solidifying a permanent move after a successful loan spell. Furthermore, the Turkish champions have reportedly agreed to meet his €75 million release clause. However, despite these significant steps, the deal is far from finalized. The primary sticking point, it appears, lies with Napoli, who are seeking robust guarantees regarding Galatasaray's ability and schedule to make the required payments.

As of now, a full agreement between the two clubs remains elusive. Nevertheless, the physical presence of Galatasaray's directors in Italy strongly indicates that negotiations are set to continue intensively in the coming hours, as both sides push to bridge the remaining financial and logistical gaps.

Osimhen's recent performance history certainly justifies the intense interest. During his loan spell at Galatasaray last season, he was nothing short of sensational, scoring an astounding 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in Galatasaray securing the Turkish league title, a feat for which he was deservedly recognized as the best player in the tournament for the 2024-25 season.

Before his impactful time in Turkey, Osimhen had already left an indelible mark on Italian football. He was the 2022-23 Serie A top scorer, with his crucial goals helping Napoli clinch their first Serie A title in an astonishing 33 years. His proven ability to deliver prolific goal tallies and decisive performances in two different top-flight leagues makes him one of European football's most coveted forwards, explaining why Galatasaray is going to such lengths to secure his signature permanently. The coming hours are expected to be decisive in this high-profile transfer battle.