Serie A giants Juventus have reportedly submitted a €85 million offer, including transfer fee and performance-related bonuses, in a bold attempt to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen, who moved to Galatasaray on loan after a permanent exit from Napoli fell through last summer, has had a standout season in Turkey, scoring 24 goals in 27 league matches and 33 in 37 appearances across all competitions. Despite his success, Napoli are expected to sell the 25-year-old forward when he returns to Italy.
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While Osimhen has a €75 million release clause in his Napoli contract, it applies only to foreign clubs, meaning Juventus must negotiate directly with Napoli for his transfer.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Bianconeri are ready to exceed that amount with an €85 million package in hopes of convincing Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to sell to a domestic rival.
The situation is complicated by interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, who are reportedly prepared to meet the €75 million release clause and offer Osimhen an eye-watering salary package potentially exceeding €30 million per year, nearly triple his current earnings.
Napoli may prefer to offload their 2023 Scudetto hero to the Saudi side rather than strengthen a domestic rival.
“Is it possible that Aurelio [De Laurentiis] would accept to earn less, in the form of the €75 million clause, in order not to sell Osimhen to eternal rivals Juventus? Absolutely yes,” Corriere dello Sport reported.
However, Osimhen’s preferences could play a decisive role, as he is said to be intrigued by both the lucrative Saudi offer and the prospect of reuniting with former Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, now at Juventus.
