Fabrizio Romano confirms 'contact' as Darwin Nunez exit moves closer

It looks like the Victor Osimhen transfer saga is drawing to a close. Significant updates were reported by several major sources on Tuesday night regarding the Nigerian forward’s future.

The 26-year-old looks set to move to Galatasaray on a permanent deal from Napoli - having signed on loan for the Turkish giants last season.

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Osimhen is signing what is reported to be a €16m annual contract for four seasons with Gala with the Turkish league and cup champions agreeing to pay his €75m release clause to Napoli.

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The Italian champions have been determined to offload Osimhen for the best part of a year now. No permanent deal was struck last summer, enabling Galatasaray to move in with a temporary proposal.

Osimhen close to Galatasaray

Osimhen struck 37 goals in 41 games for Cimbom last term and seems ready to return. That decision comes in spite of interest from the Premier League - and Liverpool in particular.

Although moving to England has been described as the African superstar’s priority this summer, he is not prepared to wait any longer in order to tie up his future.

That rush hands Gala the advantage and they are about to complete what is by far the biggest deal in their history.

Gala agree to pay €75m for Osimhen

“Victor Osimhen has informed Napoli of his desire to get deal sealed with Galatasaray ASAP,” wrote Fabrizio Romano on X.

“Galatasaray will pay €75m as release clause value — but negotiating payment terms in 5 years as exclusively revealed.

“Contract ready since Sunday; until June 2028 plus option.”

The deal could also have a huge impact on one Liverpool player in Darwin Nunez.

Uruguay international Nunez has been discussed as a potential Anfield exit for this summer’s transfer window. Napoli have been strongly linked with the 26-year-old but the asking price and wages were said to be a sticking point.

But with a major breakthrough in the Osimhen deal, it could well free up the required budget for Napoli to sign Nunez.

Door opens for Nunez to Napoli

“Napoli still dream of Darwin Núñez,” said Romano.

“New contacts will happen. Napoli have the green light from the player.

“Darwin isn’t rejecting Saudi, but he’s giving priority to Napoli. It’s now up to the clubs, with talks ongoing.”

Antonio Conte’s side are working on two striker deals; while they attempt to get a deal over the line with Liverpool on favourable terms, they are also chasing the Udinese giant Lorenzo Lucca.

Napoli working on Nunez and Lucca

“Contacts continue between Aurelio De Laurentiis' club and Udinese for Lorenzo Lucca,” writes Gianluca Di Marzio.

“Napoli is pushing to reach an agreement on 33/34 million. But, obviously, Udinese's response remains to be seen. However, there is no giving up on Liverpool's Núñez.

“In recent days, an important offer has been placed on the plate by the Reds, amounting to 50 million plus 5 in bonuses. With a salary of around 5/6 million net.”

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Which player ends up at the Diego Maradona Stadium before the end of the transfer window remains to be seen. But once Osimhen’s future is worked out we could see quick progress on the Nunez deal.