By Seyi Babalola
Napoli president Aurelien De Laurentiis is reportedly prepared to cut Victor Osimhen’s €75 million release clause for Saudi bidders Al Hilal if the transaction is completed before June.
Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray and is anticipated to leave Napoli after the season, with interest from the EPL, Serie A, and the Middle East.
Although the Nigerian striker is no longer in Napoli’s plans, the club is only ready to work with a few potential buyers.
According to Serie A News, the 2024/25 Italian top-flight leaders are prepared to reduce the sum to €65 million for Al Hilal, although this is dependent on the player.
“The hot track in these hours is again the one linked to the Saudi Pro League. If Osimhen is open to a ride to Saudi Arabia, the patron De Laurentiis would even be willing to make a discount to Al-Hilal, the Arab company in the lead to buy the player.
“The plan would require lowering the economic demand from €75m to €65m but on one condition: the purchase must take place by June,” the report stated.
The report adds further that Napoli are giving the conditions so that they can strengthen their squad with the proceeds from the sale ahead of next season.
Meanwhile, English Premier League club, Manchester United, still hold a strong interest in the 26-year-old.
As things stand, the Red Devils are not at an advanced stage to sign Osimhen, as it is claimed that the deal is taking time to be finalised due to ‘a whim’ on the striker’s side.
According to TuttoJuve Reuben Amorim’s side are ‘willing to pay’ the €75m release clause in his Napoli contract and are said to have offered the Nigerian an annual salary of €15m (£12.8m).
At Galatasaray, Osimhen is the leading scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 22 goals, putting Galatasaray on the cusp of another title as well as a cup triumph with 321 goals and eight assists in 36 games across all competitions.
Thanks to Osimhen’s contribution, Galatasaray sit five points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig and have reached the Turkish Cup final.