Osimhen skips Napoli training with a sick note amid Galatasaray talks

Reports from Italy indicate that Victor Osimhen, the highly sought-after Nigerian international, submitted a medical certificate, or "sick note," to excuse himself from Napoli's first day of pre-season training. The move comes as the 26-year-old star striker patiently awaits the finalization of his permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

The transfer saga between Napoli and Galatasaray continues to drag on, with both clubs reportedly "haggling over the payment structure" of the deal for Osimhen. This ongoing debate persists despite Galatasaray having already agreed to meet the €75 million release clause stipulated in the Nigeria international’s current contract with the Partenopei.

Recent updates suggest that Napoli is standing firm on their demand for a significant upfront payment of €55 million, with the remaining €20 million to be settled in installments. In contrast, Galatasaray's latest reported offer is said to be around €40 million upfront, with the remaining €35 million to be paid in installments. This considerable difference in desired payment terms appears to be the primary obstacle preventing the deal from being officially completed.

Osimhen skips first training day

As the transfer has not yet been officially confirmed, Osimhen technically remains a Napoli player. However, he was notably absent from the first day of Napoli’s pre-season trainings under head coach Antonio Conte on Monday.

Instead, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen provided a medical certificate, commonly known as a sick note, to avoid reporting for training with Napoli. This action strongly suggests the striker's clear preference to finalize his move to Galatasaray and avoid any potential injury or complication while his future remains uncertain.

Both clubs are expected to intensify their negotiations throughout Monday, hoping to reach a resolution and formally complete the transfer. The ongoing standoff highlights the complexities of high-value football transfers, where even an agreed release clause doesn't always guarantee a straightforward deal, especially when payment terms become a sticking point.