The major problem - FIFA technical member explains why top European clubs ran away from Victor Osimhen

FIFA Technical Committee member and Nigerian football legend Sunday Oliseh has provided a detailed explanation behind the complicated transfer saga of Victor Osimhen, shedding light on why some top clubs appeared reluctant to meet Napoli’s demands for the Nigerian striker.

As reported by Pulse Sports, Osimhen, 26, finally joined Galatasaray on a record-breaking move that ended an already sour relationship with Italian champions SSC Napoli. 

In a video circulated on social media, Oliseh emphasised the business nature of modern football beyond the fan passion: “Let’s get one thing very clear, for the fans football is passion, love but for all the actors involved in football, it is business.”

While Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray was not a surprise despite the transfer fee, several fans and analysts were shocked that the Super Eagles star was snubbed by the European elites despite his pedigree.

Addressing the sticker shock around Osimhen’s transfer fee, Oliseh clarified that while many saw the reported €75 million price tag as the main hurdle, the true cost to acquire and retain Osimhen is considerably higher - around €187 million. 

• The €75 million transfer fee payable to Napoli.

• A contractual clause granting Napoli 10% of any future resale.

• Osimhen’s hefty salary at €15 million net per year, which equates to roughly €28 million annually including taxes.

• When multiplied over four years of wages, the salary alone adds up to about €112 million.

Oliseh said, “The real price for acquiring and maintaining Osimhen is actually €187m.” 

He acknowledged that this figure surprises many fans but explained that the total financial package - transfer fee plus long-term salary commitments - is what top clubs must consider.

“The second part - the wages of Osimhen. It’s at 15m net, that’s 28m a year. If you multiply it by four you are coming to 112million. This has been the major problem for clubs trying to acquire Osimhen,” he added.

This financial reality, according to Oliseh, was the main stumbling block in the prolonged transfer negotiations, as even clubs willing to pay Napoli’s asking price had to factor in Osimhen’s substantial wage demands.

The saga saw interest from Premier League giants like Manchester United and Chelsea, yet none matched Napoli’s overall valuation. 

Eventually, Turkish champions Galatasaray secured Osimhen’s services with a deal reportedly paying the €75 million transfer fee upfront, plus an annual net salary of €15 million, making him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history as reported by the club.

Oliseh’s breakdown shows the increasing financial pressures surrounding elite football transfers, where club budgets, player wages, release clauses, and future resale percentages combine to create a costly package that even clubs with deep pockets must assess carefully.

This honest insight from one of Nigeria’s football greats offers fans a better understanding of the economic realities that shaped Victor Osimhen’s transfer journey, beyond the headlines and fan speculation.