After protracted transfer negotiations between the two clubs, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will join Galatasaray, per Fabrizio Romano.

Following his successful loan spell, Gala and Napoli have reached a verbal pact for the Nigerian international to move to the Turkish club.

Galatasaray will pay €40 million for Osimhen now and €35 million in one year, plus 10% on future profit, and a goals-based bonus.

Per the report, the Super Lig champions cannot sell the 26-year-old to any Italian club for the next two years.

Osimhen has been angling to leave Napoli after leading the Partenopei to the Scudetto in 2022/23.

The former Lille centre-forward got his wish with a temporary switch to Gala last term.

He spearheaded the Turkish behemoths to the domestic double with 37 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances.

However, the process of making the deal permanent has not been straightforward.

Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester United showed interest in his services, but nothing materialised.

Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal also came forward with an offer for the player, but he refused to leave despite agreeing on personal terms.

Gala then stepped back into the picture. They have been trying to get a deal over the line, which proved draconian with Aurelio De Laurentiis at the other end of the negotiating table.

The notoriously difficult Napoli president stuck to the €75 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract, letting him leave only when Galatasaray matched his demands.

Napoli have already signed Lorenzo Lucca to bolster their forward line in addition to first-choice striker Romelu Lukaku.

Despite losing Osimhen, Napoli recaptured the title last season and could keep it in Naples after reinforcing the roster ambitiously.

A striker of Osimhen’s ilk should be in a top-five European league, but clubs reportedly had reservations about certain things.

He went on a now-viral rant on Instagram, stoking the fire of a bust-up with Super Eagles temporary manager Finidi George last year.

In that infamous social media outburst, which has now been memed by Nigerians, he threatened to headbutt people around him when they tried to turn off the live video.

His relationship with several questionable Nigerian influencers also raised eyebrows even back home.