PSG plot surprise move for Osimhen as Napoli leave striker out of pre-season squad

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly attempting to hijack Victor Osimhen’s much-anticipated return to Galatasaray after Napoli excluded the Nigerian striker from their pre-season training squad.

The 26-year-old, who recently returned to Naples following a highly successful loan spell with Galatasaray—where he scored 37 goals in 41 matches—was left out of the 30-man group heading to Dimaro Folgarida under new head coach Antonio Conte. Osimhen, along with five other players, was omitted from the camp, raising fresh uncertainty about his future.

According to L’Equipe, PSG sporting director Luis Campos has entered direct talks with the Nigerian forward. Campos, who originally brought Osimhen to France in 2019 while at Lille, is hoping to use their existing relationship to sway the striker toward Paris. His involvement could complicate Galatasaray’s efforts to seal a permanent €75 million transfer.

Osimhen had submitted a medical note excusing himself from Napoli’s pre-season medicals, as he pushes for a return to the Turkish giants. Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, the striker is said to be “open” to a permanent move back to Istanbul, with talks between Galatasaray and Napoli already underway to finalise the transfer structure.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed ongoing negotiations, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Negotiations between Napoli and Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen are again underway right now. Napoli sent their counter-proposal to Galatasaray, ready to make decision soon on new conditions. Osimhen keeps waiting.”

Napoli are reportedly sticking to their €75 million valuation of Osimhen, despite his release clause expiring earlier this week. The club is demanding an upfront payment of €50 million, with the remaining €25 million to be paid by 2026. Galatasaray have agreed to issue a letter of credit to guarantee full payment, though procedural delays may hold up the final agreement.

Meanwhile, PSG’s interest has drawn mixed reactions. Bruno Satin, the former agent of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, questioned Osimhen’s fit within PSG’s tactical setup. “Luis Enrique’s first choice isn’t to have a traditional striker; he always prefers to use Dembele as a ‘false nine.’ Signing Victor would make him a starter, which could complicate the mechanisms already in place,” Satin told Kiss Kiss Napoli.

Osimhen was not the only player excluded from Napoli’s pre-season. Others missing from the squad include Cyril Ngonge, Walid Cheddira, Jesper Lindstrom, Michael Folorunsho, Jens Cajuste, and Giuseppe Ambrosino.