Osimhen's PSG saga nears dramatic conclusion

As the summer transfer window 2024 approaches its final days, Victor Osimhen remains a central figure in the ongoing PSG transfer saga. With just a few days left before the market closes, the situation could come to a dramatic conclusion.

Since the start of the transfer window, PSG has been actively seeking offensive reinforcements following the departure of Kylian Mbappe and the recent injury to Gonçalo Ramos. In this context, Victor Osimhen's name has frequently been linked with a move to the Parisian club.

However, the high demands of Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who was hoping for €120-130 million based on Osimhen's release clause, have complicated negotiations with PSG.

Osimhen's PSG saga nears dramatic conclusion

Recent reports suggest that Saudi club Al Ahli is nearing an agreement with Napoli for around €65 million. Despite this, reaching a deal with Osimhen remains elusive. The Nigerian forward is reportedly asking for a substantial salary and a release clause in his contract.

His agent, Roberto Calenda, has addressed the situation: “Osimhen is still a Napoli player, with his contract recently extended to mutual satisfaction. He has made history with the Azzurri, and while there have been significant offers (including this year), we have always respected the club’s decisions. As I’ve said before, he’s not a package to be shipped off just to make room for new stars. Victor has been named African Player of the Year and ranked 8th in the Ballon d'Or. He has much more to accomplish in Europe. Respect and balance are necessary,” he posted on social media platform X.

Despite the drop in Osimhen’s price from €130 million to €65 million, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that Napoli’s president no longer demands the full release clause. This information is known to both Chelsea and PSG.

While PSG is a preferred destination for Osimhen, he is not enthusiastic about joining Chelsea. La Repubblica, an Italian newspaper, suggests that PSG might make a final push with an offer of €70-75 million.

Fabrizio Romano, a transfer market expert, notes that the PSG-Osimhen deal remains calm, stating: “Relations between PSG and Napoli are very tense. I don’t think Paris is considering a transfer right now. There has been no contact between the clubs. We’ll see what happens, but for now, the situation is very quiet", Romano said in the Caughtoffside podcast with Ben Jacobs.

He added that an agreement between PSG and the Nigerian striker was reached back in July. Napoli's interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has further strained relations, and while Napoli wanted €130 million, they were also open to including Kang-In Lee in negotiations—a proposal PSG firmly rejected.