Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has firmly dismissed speculations surrounding Victor Osimhen’s potential January departure, insisting no club has contacted the Italian side about activating the striker’s €75 million release clause.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been the subject of transfer rumours linking him to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. Reports claim that both clubs are exploring the possibility of triggering the release clause to interrupt his loan spell and bring him back to Napoli. However, Manna has poured cold water on the rumours.
“I already said many times, nobody has talked to us,” Manna told DAZN. “Victor is owned by Napoli and currently playing for Galatasaray. I think too much has been said about this; there is nothing happening.”
The Nigerian forward has been in exceptional form for Galatasaray since joining on loan in September, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in nine league appearances.
Despite the release clause in his contract, which could allow him to leave the Turkish Super Lig champions in January, Manna reaffirmed that Osimhen is expected to remain with Galatasaray for the rest of the season.
Manna also addressed Napoli’s strategy, emphasising their focus on the current campaign rather than potential January transfers.
“We made a lot of investments over the summer. If it should be needed, we would be ready to make more. We are concentrated on our campaign, and if there is an opportunity to improve the squad, then we will take it, but that is not our priority right now,” he said.
The speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future adds to the pressure on Napoli, who are battling to maintain their position at the top of the Serie A table amid stiff competition from Atalanta. Napoli recently faced Lazio in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, where a heavily rotated squad fell to a 3-1 defeat.
While the rumours persist, Manna remains steadfast, reiterating Napoli’s commitment to long-term team-building.
“We believe every single game has value. We try to build something important over time with solidity and team spirit. Those are our prerogatives,” he stated.
As Osimhen continues to shine in Turkey, Napoli appear unperturbed by the noise, keeping their focus on their league ambitions while quelling any talks of a premature return for their star striker.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
