Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly making a late move to hijack Victor Osimhen’s anticipated transfer to Galatasaray, amid confirmation that Napoli have excluded the Nigerian striker from their pre-season squad.
The 26-year-old forward returned to Napoli following a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances. However, he was left out of Napoli’s 30-man squad heading to Dimaro Folgarida for pre-season training under new manager Antonio Conte. Osimhen is one of six players dropped from the camp.
The Nigerian is believed to be pushing for a permanent switch to Galatasaray and had earlier submitted a medical note excusing himself from routine pre-season tests.
However, French newspaper L’Équipe reports that PSG sporting director Luis Campos has entered direct talks with Osimhen in an attempt to lure him to Paris. Campos, who originally signed Osimhen for Lille in 2019, maintains a strong relationship with the striker and is said to be exploring a deal that could disrupt Galatasaray’s transfer plans.
Galatasaray and Napoli remain in negotiations over a proposed €75 million permanent deal, with Napoli insisting on an upfront payment of €50 million and the remaining €25 million to be settled by the end of 2026. Although Osimhen is said to be “open” to the Galatasaray move, he has also attracted a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the state of negotiations on Thursday, posting on X:
“Negotiations between Napoli and Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen are again underway right now. Napoli sent their counter-proposal to Galatasaray, ready to make decision soon on new conditions. Osimhen keeps waiting.”
Meanwhile, not everyone is convinced a PSG move would be wise. Bruno Satin, the former agent of Kalidou Koulibaly — Osimhen’s former teammate at Napoli — expressed skepticism about how the striker would fit into PSG’s tactical setup.
“Osimhen? I don’t know if PSG can count on him,” Satin told Kiss Kiss Napoli, as quoted by Le10Sport. “Luis Enrique’s first choice isn’t to have a traditional striker; he always prefers to use (Ousmane) Dembele as a ‘false nine.’ Signing Victor would make him a starter, which could complicate the mechanisms already in place with the Frenchman.”
Napoli have reiterated their €75 million valuation despite Osimhen’s release clause expiring earlier in the week. Galatasaray have reportedly offered a letter of credit to guarantee full payment, though bureaucratic delays may stall the final agreement.
Osimhen is not the only notable omission from Napoli’s pre-season plans. Others excluded from the training camp include Cyril Ngonge, Walid Cheddira, Jesper Lindstrom, Michael Folorunsho, Jens Cajuste, and Giuseppe Ambrosino.
