Contractual complexities have emerged that could derail Juventus’ ambitious pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as details of a restrictive “anti-Italy” clause in his agreement with Galatasaray come to light. Despite rumors that the Turin giants are prepared to commit approximately €120 million to bring the Nigerian superstar back to the peninsula, Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük has revealed a significant legal barrier. Following Osimhen’s permanent move to Istanbul last summer—after an initial loan stint—his former club, Napoli, reportedly secured a provision that effectively prohibits the striker from joining any Serie A competitor for a period of two years without their explicit consent.
The strategic maneuver by Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis appears designed to prevent a direct domestic rival from benefiting from the striker’s world-class talents. According to Naci Küçük, speaking on the 343 Digital YouTube channel, any attempt by Galatasaray to sell Osimhen back to an Italian side before late 2027 would trigger substantial financial penalties. These compensatory requirements make a potential transfer to Juventus exponentially more expensive than the reported €120 million fee, as the Turkish champions would be forced to settle a heavy debt with Napoli to waive the restriction.
“Osimhen’s contract includes a clause preventing him from playing in Serie A for two years,” Naci Küçük said. “There’s a significant compensation involved. Galatasaray cannot transfer Osimhen to an Italian team for two years without Napoli’s permission.”
This revelation adds a layer of irony to the current European landscape, especially after Osimhen played a central role in eliminating Juventus from the Champions League earlier this week. While the striker’s market value has reportedly surged to €150 million following his consistent brilliance in the Süper Lig, the contractual “lock” ensures that his immediate future likely lies outside of Italy. For Juventus, this means that even a record-breaking financial package might not be enough to navigate the three-way negotiation required to bypass Napoli’s protective measures.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the focus of Europe’s elite may shift toward the Premier League or La Liga, where such restrictive clauses do not apply. While Osimhen remains a beloved figure in Istanbul, the ongoing speculation regarding his next move continues to be dominated by the ingenious legal “engineering” performed during his departure from Naples. For now, the “Lion of Istanbul” remains out of reach for his former Serie A adversaries, leaving Juventus to weigh whether the exorbitant “anti-Italy” penalty is a price they are truly willing to pay.
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