Napoli Show Little Interest in Swap Deal Involving Victor Osimhen and Joshua Zirkzee
Italian sports publication Cult of Calcio is reporting that Napoli, champions of the 2022-2023 Serie A season, are unwilling to engage in a swap deal involving Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
Rather than pursuing a transfer involving Zirkzee, Napoli is focused on negotiating a direct sale for Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray. While there have been discussions surrounding a potential transfer, the Italian club is committed to securing a full transfer fee for the talented forward.
The club’s stance is reportedly that they are willing to hold out for a substantial payout, even if that means waiting until the summer window opens.
Galatasaray has downplayed any chances of Osimhen’s early departure, with any future moves dependent on offers received from interested clubs, including Manchester United. As part of any transfer deal, the Turkish club will need to negotiate with suitors to release the player from his contract.
Napoli’s primary goal is to secure a full financial return on Osimhen’s talent, rather than incorporating Zirkzee into any potential deal.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has been linked with a move for Osimhen, with some rumors suggesting that Zirkzee could be used as a makeweight in a potential transfer.
Osimhen’s loan move to Galatasaray at the beginning of September has proven fruitful, with the 25-year-old striker featuring prominently in the Turkish side’s 2024-2025 season, netting eight goals and providing four assists in nine appearances.
Although rumors initially suggested that Osimhen could return to Naples early, the forward remains contracted to Napoli and will return to the club at the end of his loan spell next summer.
Previously, Osimhen had failed to secure a permanent transfer in the summer window, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
