Newcastle United’s hopes of securing a deal for highly sought-after forward Victor Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window are looking increasingly unlikely, according to Football Insider senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke.
While the Magpies were initially linked with the 25-year-old Galatasaray striker, who is currently on loan from Napoli, multiple factors suggest that the deal may be out of reach for the Premier League club.
Osimhen’s current loan arrangement with Turkish giants Galatasaray includes a break clause that allows him to make a permanent move elsewhere in January. This has sparked widespread speculation regarding his future, with several top European clubs—including Chelsea—monitoring his situation closely. However, it appears that Newcastle United’s bid to land the prolific striker will be complicated by a number of financial and sporting considerations, putting them at a significant disadvantage in the race for his signature.
One of the key factors making a move to St James’ Park seem improbable is Osimhen’s financial demands. O’Rourke revealed on the Inside Track podcast that the Nigerian international is expected to command a hefty wage when he departs Napoli. Having earned approximately £8.3 million annually during his time in Italy—equating to around £160,000 per week—it’s believed that Osimhen will seek a significant pay increase upon leaving his current club. This figure is expected to exceed what Newcastle are currently able to offer, with Anthony Gordon’s recent contract extension making him the club’s highest-paid player at £140,000 per week.
Financially, the Magpies are already navigating a complex situation as they look to balance their wage bill and maintain their competitiveness in the Premier League. With high-profile stars such as Gordon, Bruno Guimarães, and Alexander Isak already commanding significant salaries, it would be a difficult proposition for the club to accommodate Osimhen’s demands while remaining within Financial Fair Play guidelines.
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Additionally, Newcastle’s failure to secure Champions League football this season is another hurdle that could dissuade Osimhen from moving to the North East. The striker has made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level, and with his status as one of Europe’s premier forwards, he is likely to be attracted to clubs that can offer regular Champions League football. Currently, Newcastle’s lack of European competition next season places them at a disadvantage when competing for top-tier talent like Osimhen.
Despite his current focus on Galatasaray, where he has quickly become a key player, Osimhen’s stellar performances in recent years have cemented his status as one of the most exciting young forwards in European football. At Napoli, the striker netted 76 goals and provided 18 assists in 113 appearances, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most formidable attackers. His loan spell at Galatasaray has followed a similar trajectory, with Osimhen bagging eight goals and four assists in his first nine appearances for the Turkish side.
The Nigerian striker has already made his mark on the European stage this season, including a standout performance in the Europa League against Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored twice to help Galatasaray secure a 3-2 victory. These kinds of displays have only increased the demand for Osimhen’s services, with top clubs across Europe and the Middle East closely tracking his progress.
While Chelsea had been heavily linked with Osimhen over the summer, the Blues were unable to reach an agreement with Napoli, and their pursuit of the player has stalled. However, it’s believed that the English giants remain interested in the striker, with the club’s ongoing financial issues and the need to reinforce their attacking options potentially leading them back to the negotiating table in January.
For Newcastle, the growing interest in Osimhen represents a missed opportunity as they look to bolster their attacking options and strengthen their squad ahead of a potential push for European competition in the future. Although the Magpies have an impressive attacking unit featuring the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, Osimhen’s arrival could have provided a significant upgrade, offering additional depth and quality in the final third.
However, with the financial obstacles and lack of Champions League football looming large, it seems unlikely that Newcastle will be able to compete with other suitors for the striker’s signature. The club’s current strategy appears to be focused on long-term investment in young talent, with an emphasis on securing players who are not only capable of improving the squad in the short term but also increasing the club’s potential for growth in the coming years.
As a result, Newcastle’s pursuit of Osimhen may have to be shelved for the time being. The club will likely turn their attention to more attainable targets in the January window, focusing on players who fit within their financial framework and who can help strengthen the team as they continue their quest for consistent Premier League form.
For now, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, with his break clause in the Galatasaray loan deal ensuring that his situation will be closely watched over the coming months. While the striker’s options are wide-ranging, a move to Newcastle appears increasingly unlikely as the Magpies grapple with the realities of financial constraints and the absence of Champions League football.
As the January transfer window approaches, the Magpies will likely shift their focus to other potential targets who are more aligned with their budget and immediate needs. Osimhen, meanwhile, will continue to attract interest from top clubs across Europe, with his performances in Turkey further cementing his place as one of the most exciting young forwards on the continent.
In conclusion, while the prospect of signing Victor Osimhen would have undoubtedly excited Newcastle fans, the financial and sporting challenges surrounding such a move suggest that it is unlikely to materialize. The club will now look to reassess their options as they aim to strengthen their squad in the winter window, with other targets likely to take priority over the highly coveted Nigerian striker.