Juventus keen on Osimhen, ready €75m offer
Serie A giants Juventus are preparing a €75m bid for Nigeria international Victor Osimhen as a replacement for departing striker Dusan Vlahovic next summer, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who signed Osimhen for Napoli in 2020, has identified the Nigerian as his primary target to lead the Old Lady’s attack.
The Super Eagles striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in impressive form, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in 21 appearances for the Turkish club.
However, any potential deal faces significant hurdles as Osimhen’s €75m release clause only applies to clubs outside Italy, meaning Juventus would need to negotiate directly with their Serie A rivals Napoli.
The Bianconeri are banking on the sale of Vlahovic, whose agents recently halted contract extension talks after the club refused to increase his wages, to help fund the move for Osimhen.
The Serbian striker’s contract expires in 2026, but he is expected to leave the Allianz Stadium in the next six months to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
The potential transfer would mark a significant shift in Italian football, with Napoli historically reluctant to sell their key players to direct rivals, especially one who played a crucial role in their first Scudetto triumph in 33 years last season.
Osimhen, who was crowned the CAF African Footballer of The Year in 2023, has established himself as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. His combination of speed, physicality, and clinical finishing, coupled with his Serie A experience, makes him an attractive proposition for the Turin giants.
The Old Lady’s pursuit of the Nigerian striker aligns with their strategy to strengthen their attacking options while potentially reducing their wage bill, as Osimhen would benefit from tax advantages under the Decreto Crescita.
However, the success of this ambitious plan hinges on several factors, including Vlahovic’s sale and Juventus’ qualification for next season’s Champions League, which would provide crucial funding for the transfer.
Meanwhile, the Turin club has secured Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, though a permanent move for the French striker appears unlikely due to PSG’s substantial investment.
Juventus may consider extending Kolo Muani’s loan for another season with an option to purchase at a reasonable price if their pursuit of Osimhen proves unsuccessful.
The Nigerian striker’s future at Napoli appears increasingly uncertain, with both player and club reportedly open to parting ways. His potential move to Juventus would significantly strengthen the Bianconeri’s attack as they look to reclaim their position at the summit of Italian football.
Giuntoli’s previous working relationship with Osimhen during Napoli’s title-winning campaign could prove crucial in negotiations, though the complexity of dealing with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is expected to make any potential deal challenging.
The striker has maintained his impressive goalscoring form since joining Galatasaray on loan, continuing the prolific streak that saw him become Serie A’s top scorer in the 2022/23 season with 26 goals.
