Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has revealed the key reason top European clubs turned down the chance to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
Despite being linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, none of the clubs were able to meet Napoli’s demands.
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Osimhen, 26, eventually joined Turkish champions Galatasaray on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell in 2024/25, during which he won the Turkish Super Lig title and finished as the league’s top scorer.
Speaking on Global Football Insight, Oliseh said Osimhen’s true financial cost went far beyond his €75m release clause.
“The first impression people have is that it costs €75 million to get Victor Osimhen,” Oliseh explained. “But the real cost of acquiring and maintaining him is actually €187 million.”
He broke down the figure: Napoli demanded €75m (€40m upfront and €35m within 12 months), plus 10% of any future sale. Osimhen’s reported wages of €15m net per year translate to €28m gross annually, amounting to €112m over a four-year contract. Combined with the transfer fee, the total package would cost a club €187m.
“This has been a major stumbling block,” Oliseh said. “When buying a player, you consider wages, maintenance, and character. Clubs will ask themselves if he’s worth it compared to other players available. This hasn’t worked in Victor’s favour.”
Oliseh also pointed to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis as a tough negotiator.
“Napoli can be a difficult club to deal with. When Victor renewed his contract, he should have inserted an exit clause, but he didn’t. The president is a shrewd businessman who wants to get every last cent.”
However, Oliseh believes Osimhen could still attract top European clubs next year if Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Victor has to pray Nigeria makes it to the next World Cup and that he plays well. If that happens, clubs will forget the current issues. Without it, he could have a problem.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup look very slim. Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C of the qualifiers, behind South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic.
