Napoli furious as Osimhen rejects Manchester United for Galatasaray stay

Tensions are running high at Napoli after star forward Victor Osimhen reportedly declined a move to Manchester United, opting instead to remain with Turkish giants Galatasaray until the end of the season.

The decision has left Napoli’s hierarchy, including club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, deeply frustrated, according to Italian publication La Repubblica.

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September, has made it clear he intends to honor his commitment to the Turkish club despite Napoli’s hopes of cashing in on his transfer this month.

Napoli had anticipated earning €81 million from a potential deal with Manchester United, thanks to a break-up clause in the player’s contract.

The 26-year-old Nigerian international is said to have informed Napoli’s director, Giovanni Manna, of his unwavering decision to remain with Galatasaray until the loan expires at the end of the season.

READ ALSO: Osimhen could depart from Napoli for €90M in January, report says

Osimhen’s stance has sparked frustration within Napoli, as the club had seen the opportunity to transfer him to Manchester United as a critical financial move during the January transfer window.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly angered by what he perceives as Osimhen’s ongoing efforts to complicate his relationship with the Italian club. The striker’s decision is viewed as the latest in a series of actions that have strained the relationship between player and management.

“This is yet another instance where Osimhen appears to prioritize his personal preferences over the club’s interests,” sources close to the club revealed.

Manchester United had shown serious interest in acquiring Osimhen to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season.

However, the player’s loyalty to Galatasaray has now left United searching for alternatives in the transfer market.

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Osimhen’s decision raises questions about his future at Napoli, with the club’s management likely to reassess their relationship with the forward.

While his performances on the pitch have been pivotal, the off-field disagreements have cast a shadow over his time with the Serie A side.

For now, Osimhen remains committed to his stint in Turkey, where he has become a fan favorite.

As the season progresses, both Napoli and Osimhen will need to navigate the fallout from this latest development, which could have significant implications for the player’s long-term career trajectory and Napoli’s financial planning.