The whispers of Victor Osimhen joining Juventus have been electric, but a seismic clause from Napoli has effectively frozen one of Serie A's most tantalizing transfer sagas.
Key Points:
- Napoli inserted a €70m penalty clause if Galatasaray sells Osimhen to another Serie A club.
- This "anti-Italy" protection remains active until September 1, 2027.
- Osimhen's colossal wages (€15m fixed, up to €21m net) are a major financial barrier for Italian clubs.
- Despite mutual admiration with Juventus and coach Luciano Spalletti, the path to Turin is currently blocked.
Napoli's Boardroom Brilliance: The €70m Serie A Shield
When Napoli sanctioned Victor Osimhen's €75 million move to Galatasaray last summer, they didn't just bank the cash. They strategically erected a colossal barrier to prevent him from bolstering a direct rival within Italy. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport reveal a stunning €70 million penalty clause.
This means if Galatasaray dares to sell the Nigerian striker back to any Serie A club, they'll owe Napoli an additional, crippling sum. This masterstroke, designed to deter giants like Juventus, ensures Osimhen remains off-limits for Italian rivals until at least September 1, 2027.
Osimhen's Open Affection for Turin and Spalletti
Despite the contractual shackles, Victor Osimhen has made no secret of his admiration for Juventus and, more significantly, his former mentor Luciano Spalletti. The striker publicly called playing at the Allianz Stadium a "privilege," especially the prospect of reuniting with the coach who steered Napoli to their historic Scudetto.
Their bond runs deep; Osimhen has spoken of Spalletti's intense dedication, even claiming he "slept at the training ground." This profound respect was evident when Osimhen notably refused to celebrate a goal against Juventus, a silent tribute to his past and potentially future boss. His social media post with club legend Alessandro Del Piero, where he felt "lucky to have seen one of the best of all time," further fueled the transfer speculation among Juventus fans.
The Mammoth Monetary Mountain: Wages & Tax Hurdles
Even if Juventus somehow navigated the intricate Napoli clause – perhaps through a direct, separate settlement – another financial Everest looms large. Osimhen's current wage package is staggering. He commands a fixed salary of €15 million per season, with performance bonuses potentially swelling his annual earnings to an eye-watering €21 million net.
Without the now-abolished Growth Decree tax benefits, no Serie A club, not even Juventus, can realistically shoulder such an immense financial burden for a single player's salary alone. The economics of Italian football simply don't allow for it right now.
A Frozen Dream: When Could Osimhen Wear Black and White?
This intricate "anti-Italy" clause serves as a powerful testament to the fierce rivalry between Juventus and Napoli. While the romantic notion of Victor Osimhen gracing the Bianconeri colours is clearly appealing to both the player and the Turin faithful, the cold, hard reality of the contract signed in Istanbul has put this potential blockbuster move firmly on ice.
Supporters hoping for a swift reunion will have to exercise extreme patience. It appears the earliest Osimhen could realistically consider a move back to Serie A without triggering the punitive clause would be the summer of 2027, making this one of football's most frustratingly prolonged transfer sagas.
