The transfer saga surrounding Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed a significant disparity in reporting between Italian and Turkish sports media. According to Turkish football analyst Zeki Uzundurukan, Italian sources are fabricating stories that claim Osimhen is amenable to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, when in fact, he has repeatedly rejected offers from the Riyadh-based club, including an initial bid worth around €40 million a year and subsequent improved bids.

Osimhen, aged 26, is currently at a critical juncture in the transfer window, with two primary suitors: Galatasaray and Al Hilal. While he has unequivocally turned down Al Hilal, leaving his options open for European clubs, he has shown a strong preference for Galatasaray. Uzundurukan expressed confidence in Galatasaray's ability to secure the Nigerian, citing a positive phone conversation between Osimhen and Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk. He stated, "Osimhen is already warm to Galatasaray.

Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria

They are also sorting out the financial issues with Napoli. All 3 sponsors will cover a large portion of the transfer fee. There will be striking developments in favour of Galatasaray this week. Al-Hilal has already made the necessary moves, and they will now withdraw." Uzundurukan further emphasized that the Italian press's claims of an Al Hilal move are "a complete lie," asserting that if Osimhen had intended to go there, he would have done so long ago.

Adding weight to Galatasaray's position, Nigerian journalist Buchi confirmed that Osimhen has made it "very, very clear" he wants to leave Napoli and has already said "yes" to continuing his career with the Turkish champions. This decision reportedly puts his long-rumored Premier League move on hold, at least for the time being. Napoli has been attempting to convince Osimhen to stay, but their efforts have been unsuccessful. Formal negotiations are now underway between Napoli and Galatasaray regarding the payment structure for Osimhen's €75 million release clause.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has corroborated that Galatasaray submitted an initial bid of €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons, which Napoli has turned down, holding out for a higher amount and better payment terms. Despite this, Galatasaray remains optimistic, particularly with sponsors ready to contribute to the financial package. Osimhen's enthusiasm for returning to Galatasaray, where he had an impressive loan spell leading them to a domestic league and cup double, is a key factor in his decision. His choice reflects a deep affection and bond developed with the club and its fanbase during his previous tenure.

Meanwhile, former England and Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has voiced his disappointment with his former club for not pursuing Osimhen more aggressively. Ferdinand, a long-time advocate for United signing a proven goalscorer, highlighted Osimhen's quality and experience. He expressed shock that Manchester United would miss out on a "top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world," for what he considers "absolute peanuts" at around £50 million in today's market, especially when United is "crying out for a striker." While Manchester United has signed Matheus Cunha and is pursuing Bryan Mbeumo, Ferdinand believes Osimhen would have been an ideal fit to provide mentorship for younger strikers like Rasmus Hojlund and Chido Obi-Martin.

Al Hilal, despite their willingness to pay Osimhen's full release clause, has not yet reached an agreement with the player, giving Galatasaray a significant advantage, provided they can meet Napoli's demands. With no concrete offers emerging from Premier League clubs thus far, Osimhen appears to be inching closer to a historic permanent move back to Istanbul, with the agreement on personal terms already secured until June 2028 and negotiations between the clubs ongoing for the transfer fee.