Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has revealed that he was on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Juventus last summer, only for the transfer to be blocked at the final hurdle by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, the 27-year-old striker opened up about the failed switch, admitting that negotiations with Juventus had progressed significantly before Napoli’s hierarchy stepped in to halt the deal. According to Osimhen, De Laurentiis was adamant about not strengthening a direct Serie A rival, regardless of the player’s personal wishes.
The Nigerian forward did not hide his desire for the move, conceding that the Bianconeri’s interest was both serious and tempting.
“Yes, I could have joined Juventus. Juve wanted to sign me, but Napoli president De Laurentiis didn’t want to sell me to Juventus” he said.
“Juventus is a top club. When Juventus calls, you listen” the lanky defender added.
With the door firmly shut on a move to Turin, Osimhen’s future ultimately lay elsewhere. The prolific striker went on to complete a permanent transfer to Galatasaray in the summer of 2025, following an impressive loan spell with the Turkish giants. Napoli sanctioned the deal for a reported €75 million, bringing an end to Osimhen’s time in Italy.
Galatasaray secured the Nigerian’s long-term future by handing him a contract running until 2029, underlining their faith in him as the focal point of their attack. Osimhen has since justified that confidence with a string of decisive performances.
This season, the striker has featured in 22 matches for the Istanbul-based club, registering an impressive return of 15 goals and three assists, cementing his status as one of the most lethal forwards in Turkish football.
While the Juventus move never materialised, Osimhen’s comments have reignited debate over what might have been—highlighting how close one of Europe’s most talked-about transfers came to becoming reality.
