United and Napoli nearing a deal for Nigerian forward.
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has become the highest-valued player to ever enter the Turkish Super Lig, with a market value of €100m, placing him €70m above Nicolò Zaniolo, who is in second, reports PUNCH Sports Extra.
The Nigeria international, who transferred to Galatasaray on a year-long loan from Napoli last summer after potential transfers to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia didn’t materialize, has consistently proven his high worth by scoring 19 goals in 24 matches in total for the Turkish club.
As per information from Transfermarkt, Osimhen’s valuation of €100m far exceeds Zaniolo’s, who was valued at €30m during his transfer from Roma to Galatasaray in February 2023.
The 2023 CAF African Player of The Year is at the top of a prestigious list featuring Zaniolo (€30m), Jean Michael Seri (€25m), Steven Nzonzi (€23m), Tanguy Ndombele (€22m), Sofyan Amrabat (€22m), Mauro Icardi (€22m), Wilfried Zaha (€22m), and ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred (€20m).
In the meantime, the Nigerian forward may be poised for another significant transfer this summer, as both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have made verbal proposals for his talents.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu disclosed that both European powerhouses have come to terms with Napoli to activate the forward’s €75m release clause, which will be valid when the summer transfer window commences.
“Victor Osimhen is on the verge of finalizing an agreement with a globally recognized management firm.” Indeed, a player from Real Madrid is assisting in coordinating these talks. This greatly lowers the likelihood of him remaining at Galatasaray after June. “Sabuncuoglu informed Haber Sari Kirmizi that both PSG and Manchester United have presented verbal proposals concerning salary and contract duration.”
“With both clubs ready to fulfill Napoli’s release clause, it will be extremely challenging for Galatasaray to compete.” “A summer relocation seems highly likely.”
The news arrives as Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim has allegedly pinpointed the Nigerian as his main objective to address the Red Devils’ goal-scoring issues, with current forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having difficulty adjusting to the physical demands of the English Premier League.
United’s football division, directed by Jason Wilcox, is considering multiple possibilities, such as a possible player-exchange deal, although Napoli still favors a straightforward cash transaction.
Osimhen’s path to becoming Turkey’s most prized import started after a botched permanent move last summer, as his €130m release clause was too high for interested parties like EPL powerhouse Chelsea and Saudi teams.