Napoli block Juventus path with €70m Victor Osimhen transfer safeguard clause

Napoli’s determination to prevent Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from strengthening a domestic rival has reportedly emerged as a decisive factor behind his permanent move to Galatasaray last summer.

An extraordinary contractual clause now complicates any potential return to Serie A. The 27-year-old completed a full transfer to the Turkish champions after an outstanding loan spell that revived his form and reaffirmed his status as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.

Since settling in Istanbul, Osimhen has continued to attract attention across the continent, with Italian heavyweights Juventus reportedly monitoring his situation closely as they seek attacking reinforcements.

However, fresh reports from Italian media indicate Napoli anticipated such interest and inserted a powerful protective measure into the agreement.

The clause, widely described as an “anti-Juve” safeguard, reportedly obliges Galatasaray to pay Napoli an additional €70 million penalty should the striker be sold to any Italian club within a specified period.

The provision effectively acts as a financial deterrent rather than a conventional sell-on clause, significantly inflating the cost of any domestic transfer.

With the restriction set to remain active for 24 months following the deal’s completion, a Serie A return for Osimhen appears virtually impossible in the short term.

Napoli’s strategy reflects lingering competitive tensions within Italian football, particularly involving Juventus, while also protecting the club from seeing a former talisman strengthen a direct rival.

For Galatasaray, the arrangement secures sporting stability by discouraging aggressive approaches from Italy’s elite clubs during the clause’s validity.