Galatasaray’s sudden entry into the transfer narrative surrounding Victor Osimhen has thrown a major wrench into the plans of Napoli and Saudi giants Al-Hilal, who have long been regarded as front-runners in securing the Nigerian striker’s signature. While Osimhen’s next move was once expected to be a straight shootout between Europe’s elite and the riches of the Saudi Pro League, the Turkish champions have emerged with a bold strategy that could disrupt the entire transfer dynamic.
At the heart of the issue is Osimhen’s uncertain future at Napoli. Despite being one of Serie A’s standout performers and a central figure in Napoli’s recent Scudetto-winning campaign, his relationship with the club has become increasingly strained. Contract disputes, a perceived lack of ambition from Napoli in the transfer market, and internal disagreements have made a summer exit all but inevitable. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has publicly insisted that the club will only accept offers in the region of €120–130 million, a figure that has deterred several European clubs but not Al-Hilal, who are reportedly willing to meet that demand.
Al-Hilal, with their deep pockets and increasing influence, have been positioning themselves as a realistic option for Osimhen. They have already secured several high-profile players from Europe, including Neymar and Kalidou Koulibaly, and believe Osimhen could be the face of their long-term project. The offer on the table from Al-Hilal is thought to be extremely lucrative — potentially worth over €40 million per year — making it a difficult proposition to refuse on financial grounds.
However, Osimhen has reportedly shown hesitation about moving to Saudi Arabia at this stage in his career. At just 26, he is entering his prime years and is said to prefer remaining in European football, where the level of competition and visibility is higher. That’s where Galatasaray have sensed an opportunity.
The Turkish giants, fresh off back-to-back Süper Lig titles and a strong showing in the Champions League, are pushing hard to elevate their status in Europe. Their board, backed by increased commercial investment and fan-driven momentum, is eager to make a marquee signing this summer — one that could both boost their European competitiveness and signal their ambitions to the rest of the continent.
Galatasaray’s interest in Osimhen initially seemed far-fetched, given the striker’s valuation. But sources close to the club suggest they are exploring creative ways to finance a move. These include selling top assets like Nicolò Zaniolo and Sacha Boey, securing sponsorship-based funding, and even negotiating a structured deal with Napoli that includes performance-based add-ons. Additionally, Galatasaray can offer Osimhen something that neither Napoli nor Al-Hilal can guarantee: a fresh start in a club where he would be the absolute star, leading a title-winning team and playing in the Champions League every season.
The prospect of joining a rising European force with a rabid fan base and a clear sporting project could prove attractive to Osimhen, especially when compared to staying in Naples, where tensions have mounted, or moving to Saudi Arabia, where competitive relevance remains in question. From a sporting perspective, a move to Galatasaray would allow Osimhen to maintain his presence on the European stage while taking on a new challenge.
This development is a direct problem for Napoli. If Galatasaray are able to tempt Osimhen with a move but cannot meet Napoli’s high asking price, it leaves the Italian club in a bind. They risk losing leverage in negotiations, especially if Osimhen pushes for a move and refuses to consider Al-Hilal. Napoli could be forced to lower their valuation or accept a more complex deal than initially planned. It also threatens De Laurentiis’ hardline stance, potentially leading to a loss of control in how the transfer plays out.
For Al-Hilal, Galatasaray’s involvement adds a layer of competition they hadn’t anticipated. They have grown accustomed to operating as the dominant bidder in many transfer situations, using financial firepower to secure targets. But in Osimhen’s case, money alone may not be enough. If the player prioritizes sporting ambition and Champions League football, the Saudi project could be rejected — and Galatasaray would be the reason why.
While Galatasaray still face an uphill task in pulling off such a massive transfer, their determination and timing have disrupted what looked like a two-horse race. Their presence forces both Napoli and Al-Hilal to reevaluate their strategies and, more importantly, puts the spotlight back on what Osimhen truly wants from the next stage of his career.
In this unpredictable transfer saga, Galatasaray may have just become the most important
player on the board.
