Reports have said Manchester United made the most serious approach to sign Victor Osimhen in this January transfer window.
According to Turkish newspaper Sabah, Napoli sports director Giovanni Manna met with Osimhen in Istanbul this week and informed him of the serious interest Manchester United have for him.
Manna revealed all the offers to Osimhen, saying Napoli were most positive about the offer from United.
However, to the big disappointment of the top Italian club, Osimhen maintained he will not trigger a break-up clause and that he would rather stay put at Galatasaray until the end of the season when his loan deal is up.
Reports coming in from Italy now reveal that the Nigerian striker has infuriated Napoli’s hierarchy by insisting on running down his value until the summer transfer window in August.
It is believed United have shelled out over €81m for the 26-year-old striker in this transfer window—75 million euro release clause to Napoli and 6.5 million euro to Galatasaray for terminating the loan contract before it was due to run out, hence the infuriation from the Napolitans.
The striker had signed a new contract in December 2023 with the express intention of leaving six months later for his €120m release clause.
However, when no club went anywhere near that figure and even cheaper deals with Chelsea and Saudi Pro League sides collapsed on deadline day, the Nigerian joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024.
Napoli were hoping he would revitalise his form and do enough to earn a bid for his €81m release clause in January.
During this meeting with Giovanni Manna, Osimhen revealed to he wishes to stay at Turkey until the summer,
“I made a promise to Galatasaray. I am very happy here. The fans love me very much. I cannot leave them,” Osimhen was quoted as telling the top Napoli official.
“If the teams that make me an offer still want me in May, we will sit down and talk again.”
