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EXCLUSIVE : Osimhen is Giuntoli’s dream

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

Giuntoli at work for July: the club is willing to pay the clause for Osimhen. But needs to negotiate with Napoli according to today news from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Juventus is already moving on from Dusan Vlahovic. Recent exclusions, three benchings in the last four matches offer a glimpse into the future. Earlier this week, La Signora and the Serbian striker celebrated exactly three years together: from January 28, 2022, to 2025.

One chapter has closed, and another is beginning: the one leading to separation. Their partnership will not last beyond six months. Between July and August, the farewell will occur. The striker’s entourage has halted discussions about a reduced contract extension. And at Continassa, they have started searching for his replacement.

Vlahovic’s contract expires in a year and a half (2026), but the club wants to finalize the split this summer to avoid losing a valuable asset for free.

Kolo Muani, recently acquired on loan from PSG, is just an appetizer. The main course that excites director Cristiano Giuntoli is Victor Osimhen. More than a dream, it’s an ambitious plan.

The Juventus transfer aims to reunite with the top scorer he won the 2023 championship with at Napoli. One striker exits while another enters. Vlahovic leaves, and Osimhen comes in, currently on loan at Galatasaray (17 goals in 21 matches) but still owned by Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club.

The 26-year-old Nigerian, barring surprises in the last days of the transfer window (closure on Monday), will finish his season in Istanbul and return to Naples in July, but not to stay. Juventus is already in the running for the African striker. They’re not alone in the race (PSG and several English clubs are also interested), but they can rely on the connection between Victor and the Juventus executive.

The backround for Osimhen

Osimhen is a key target for Giuntoli, and the Tuscan manager, when it appeared that Vlahovic’s departure could happen soon. Also inquired about the feasibility of a potential last-minute switch.

On paper, this operation is not only expensive (at least 75-80 million) but also complex and bordering on impossible for several reasons. Right now, in addition to Napoli’s approval, the consent of Galatasaray is also needed. As they have signed the Lagos striker on loan until June and do not want to lose their top scorer.

At Continassa, they’ve examined the situation to safeguard against any developments concerning Vlahovic. Who recently attracted significant interest from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Stefano Pioli. The Serbian striker has turned down the lucrative Arab offers and, at this moment, does not seem inclined to leave Turin during this transfer window. Vlahovic’s continued presence and the missed revenue from his potential sale have pushed the prospect of Osimhen to the coming months.

Which is Juventus plan?

If all goes according to plan, Juventus will say goodbye to Dusan in the summer. And make a strong move for Osimhen, by far the preferred choice among potential heirs to the Serbian (Zirkzee from Manchester United is also on the list).

It’s a matter of quality, age, and familiarity with Italian football. The Nigerian, under contract with the Azzurri until 2026, will leave Turkey and return to Naples. Osimhen and De Laurentiis’ club have already documented the figures for the transfer. Highlighted by a €75 million release clause that is valid only for foreign clubs.

This is a significant cost, but not impossible thanks to the sacrifice of Vlahovic. Unlike a foreign club, Juventus will need to sit down with Napoli to try to acquire the Nigerian.

A deal between the two clubs is neither easy nor guaranteed, but in this case, a good compromise could benefit everyone. Osimhen has long completed his cycle at Napoli, and the club intends to maximize the profit from selling a player who could otherwise leave for free in 2026.

And Juventus? The Bianconeri consider the Galatasaray striker the ideal replacement for Vlahovic. Osimhen earns less than Dusan (11 million net versus 12), and unlike the Serbian, he could benefit from the tax advantages of the Growth Decree, which he still qualifies for. The major maneuvers have begun, but there are still many variables at play. Two key factors: the sale of Vlahovic and qualification for the next Champions League. These are essential pieces for financing the pursuit of Osimhen.

Second loan for Kolo Muani

However, the overhaul of the attack could be complete. In addition to Vlahovic, Arek Milik will also leave, still stuck at zero minutes this season. Recently, Giuntoli took action by signing Kolo Muani on a dry loan from PSG.

The Frenchman scored with his first shot in Napoli’s debut and will be evaluated over the next five months. Acquiring him will be impossible for Juventus and likely for most clubs after PSG’s massive €90 million investment just two years ago. The Bianconeri’s idea, pending PSG’s approval, is to aim for a second loan, possibly with a buy option at reasonable figures.