Italian Serie A giants Juventus have been ruled out of the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen this summer due to an “anti-Juventus” clause included in his transfer agreement with Turkish champions Galatasaray.

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According to Italian media outlet TalkJuve, the clause was inserted when Galatasaray completed Osimhen’s permanent €75 million signing from Napoli last summer, effectively preventing the Nigerian international from joining the Turin club.

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Osimhen spent four seasons at Napoli between 2020 and 2024 before initially moving to Galatasaray on loan. When the Turkish champions exercised the option to make the deal permanent, Napoli reportedly negotiated a provision designed to block any future transfer to one of their biggest domestic rivals.

The clause means Juventus cannot pursue the Super Eagles striker even if they are willing to match Galatasaray’s valuation. According to Calciomercato, the Turkish club would incur a significant financial penalty if they sold Osimhen directly to the Bianconeri.

Spalletti reunion ruled out

The restriction also ends hopes of a reunion between Osimhen and his former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti, who is now in charge at Juventus.

Osimhen enjoyed the most successful period of his career under Spalletti, helping Napoli end a 33-year wait for the Serie A title during the 2022/23 season. The Nigerian finished that campaign as Serie A’s top scorer, was named the league’s Player of the Year and Best Striker, and established himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

Their successful partnership had fuelled speculation that Juventus could attempt to reunite the pair in Turin, particularly as the club looks to strengthen its attack.

Galatasaray stay looks certain

Osimhen had also been widely viewed as the ideal long-term replacement for Dušan Vlahović, with Juventus reportedly possessing the financial capacity to meet Galatasaray’s asking price.

However, the anti-Juventus clause makes such a move impossible under the current agreement, leaving the Italian giants unable to formalise their long-standing interest in the Nigerian striker.

Osimhen is now expected to remain at Galatasaray for the new season, where he will spearhead the club’s bid for a historic fifth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.