Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly planning a late move to hijack Victor Osimhen’s potential transfer to Galatasaray after Napoli left the Nigerian striker out of their pre-season squad, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen, 26, recently returned to Napoli following a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored an impressive 37 goals in 41 matches. However, he was among six players omitted from Napoli’s 30-man squad for their pre-season training camp in Dimaro Folgarida under new manager Antonio Conte.
The forward had earlier submitted a medical note to excuse himself from the club’s pre-season medical tests, signaling his intention to secure a permanent move back to the Turkish champions.
However, according to French outlet L’Équipe, PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos who previously signed Osimhen for Lille in 2019 has personally reached out to the striker in an effort to lure him to Paris. Campos’ longstanding relationship with Osimhen could complicate Galatasaray’s hopes of finalising a permanent deal believed to be worth around €75 million.
While Galatasaray remain in active negotiations with Napoli, Osimhen is said to be receptive to the move despite also receiving a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club. The Turkish side is reportedly working on the payment structure of the deal, including a letter of credit to guarantee full payment. Napoli, meanwhile, have insisted on their €75 million valuation even after Osimhen’s release clause expired earlier this week.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the ongoing talks 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 a decision soon on new conditions. Osimhen keeps waiting.”
Meanwhile, Osimhen’s potential switch to PSG has drawn mixed reactions. Bruno Satin, former agent of ex-Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, questioned how the Nigerian forward would fit into Luis Enrique’s tactical plans.
“Osimhen? I’m not sure PSG can count on him,” Satin told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, as quoted by Le10Sport. “Luis Enrique prefers playing Ousmane Dembele as a ‘false nine’ rather than relying on a traditional striker. Bringing in Victor could disrupt the current setup.”
In addition to Osimhen, other players excluded from Napoli’s pre-season squad include Cyril Ngonge, Walid Cheddira, Jesper Lindstrom, Michael Folorunsho, Jens Cajuste, and Giuseppe Ambrosino.
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