Permanent Osimhen replacement? Galatasaray target 2-time Champions League winner

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen.

Permanent Osimhen replacement? Galatasaray target 2-time Champions League winner

Ayoola Kelechi 17:13 - 30.01.2025

Despite his stellar performances in Turkey, Galatasaray could be looking for a replacement for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray's hopes of securing Victor Osimhen on a permanent deal have hit a major roadblock after Napoli rejected their €65 million bid.

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With the Turkish giants falling short of the €75 million release clause, they are now looking at alternative options—one of them being Spanish striker Álvaro Morata, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner.

Galatasaray in advanced talks for Morata

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Galatasaray are in advanced negotiations to sign Álvaro Morata from AC Milan, with all parties eager to complete the deal within hours.

The Italian journalist posted a message on social media platform X, saying, “EXCLUSIVE: Galatasaray are in advanced talks to sign Álvaro Morata from AC Milan! Talks underway to get the deal done soon, all parties ready to get it sealed in the next hours.”

Morata, who previously won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, is seen as a high-profile replacement should Osimhen return to Napoli at the end of the season.

AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata | Imago

The Spanish forward brings vast European experience, having played for clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid in a rich career.

The Spanish striker, who led his country to glory at EURO 2024 as captain, is seen as the ideal successor if Osimhen’s permanent move doesn’t materialise.

Napoli remain firm on Osimhen price tag

Despite Osimhen's impressive performances in Turkey, with 16 goals in 20 appearances for Galatasaray, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis remains unwilling to sell the Nigerian forward below his valuation.

Victor Osimhen continued his fine form with his 13th league goal of the season.

The Italian club previously lowered his release clause from €130 million to €75 million, but Galatasaray’s recent bid still fell short by €10m.

Napoli are now expected to hold out until the summer when they hope more clubs will have the opportunity to meet his release clause.

Victor Osimhen is at home at Galatasaray.

The situation is further complicated by Osimhen’s own desire to stay at Galatasaray, where he has found stability after a rocky spell in Italy.

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