Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea Transfer Falls Through as Napoli Agree Deal with Galatasaray

Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has hit a dead end, with reports confirming that Napoli have reached an agreement to permanently transfer the 26-year-old Nigerian to Galatasaray, where he spent the 2024/25 season on loan. Despite earlier speculation of a move to Stamford Bridge, including claims of a medical booked with Chelsea, Osimhen has prioritized a return to the Turkish club, effectively ending hopes of a Premier League switch this summer.

Transfer Details and Collapse of Chelsea Deal
Napoli and Galatasaray finalized a €75 million (£64 million) deal, structured as €40 million upfront and €35 million by 2026, with a clause preventing Osimhen’s transfer to another Serie A club before 2027. Osimhen, who scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances for Galatasaray last season, reportedly urged Napoli to accept the Turkish club’s fifth offer, rejecting bids from Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal and two unnamed European clubs. A medical is scheduled in Istanbul, with Osimhen set to make his second debut for Galatasaray in a pre-season friendly against Cagliari on July 23, 2025.

Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen, a long-term target, intensified in recent weeks, with reports of a £65 million bid and negotiations for a loan with an obligation to buy. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel claimed the club was “moments away” from signing Osimhen on the 2024 transfer deadline day, but issues with paperwork, medicals, and Osimhen’s £9.5 million annual wage demands—exceeding Chelsea’s strict wage structure—derailed the deal. Despite renewed efforts, Chelsea’s focus shifted after signing Liam Delap (£30 million from Ipswich) and Joao Pedro (£55 million from Brighton), with manager Enzo Maresca now satisfied with his attacking options, including Nicolas Jackson.

Context and Implications
Osimhen’s stellar performance in Turkey, where he helped Galatasaray secure a domestic double, contrasted with his fallout with Napoli under Antonio Conte, who exiled him from the first team. Napoli’s decision to secure a high transfer fee and include an anti-Italian clause reflects their intent to avoid strengthening Serie A rivals like Juventus, who also showed interest. Chelsea’s failure to land Osimhen, despite being his preferred destination last summer, highlights ongoing challenges in balancing high-profile signings with financial discipline. The club’s recent £115 million investment in Delap, Pedro, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens suggests a pivot toward younger, versatile forwards.

Developing Story
While Chelsea’s hopes of signing Osimhen appear over for now, the transfer window remains open until September 1, 2025, and speculation about other strikers, such as Hugo Ekitike, persists. Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray rules out a Premier League transfer in the short term, but his new contract’s structure could reopen opportunities in 2027. For updates, visit GeoKHub.

Note: Transfer details are based on trusted reports, but final agreements and medical outcomes are subject to confirmation. Osimhen’s wage demands and Chelsea’s negotiations remain unverified by official club statements.