…ex-Gala coach says club can’t buy striker
Premier League giants Manchester United have contacted Napoli over a potential January move for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sports Switzerland, the Red Devils have already reached out to the striker’s representatives, with personal terms reportedly not expected to be an issue.
The 25-year-old, who has been in scintillating form with 12 goals and five assists in 15 appearances for Galatasaray this season, could cost United around €75m, although they may need to pay an additional fee to the Turkish club for terminating his loan deal early.
Despite interest from several European giants, Osimhen recently expressed his commitment to Galatasaray.
“I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season. I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much,” the striker said after his brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.
Meanwhile, former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu claims that the Turkish giants cannot afford to sign the striker on a permanent deal.
Hamzaoğlu suggested that the Istanbul-based team would face significant financial hurdles in their bid to keep the Nigerian.
“It is difficult for Galatasaray to buy Victor Osimhen. In fact, I can say that they cannot,” Hamzaoğlu was quoted as saying by habersarikirmizi.com.
“I heard that there are suitors for Osimhen. Galatasaray can go up to a certain point in the figures, but after that, it may cause problems.
“Financial situations need to be considered. However, if he stays, he will continue to benefit.”
The Super Eagles star joined Galatasaray on loan in September after proposed moves to Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League fell through.
His contributions have helped transform the Turkish giants into the only unbeaten team among Europe’s top eight leagues across domestic leagues, cup competitions and European tournaments among the top eight ranked leagues.
While Osimhen’s release clause is set at €90m, with plans to reduce it to €80m at the season’s end, reports suggest Napoli might be willing to sanction a January move for €75m.
New United manager Ruben Amorim has identified the Nigerian as a prime target to address their scoring woes, with the Old Trafford outfit struggling in the Premier League.
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also reportedly monitoring the situation, with the French champions already making contact regarding a potential January transfer.
