Napoli Reject Osimhen-Zirkzee Swap Proposal, Eye Full Sale

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Napoli have reportedly dismissed the possibility of a swap deal involving Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, according to Italian outlet Cult of Calcio.

The Serie A champions are said to favour a full-cash sale of Osimhen, despite growing interest from Manchester United.

“There’s some substance to the rumours about Manchester United offering a trade between Victor Osimhen and Joshua Zirkzee, but Napoli aren’t particularly enthused by the idea. They’d rather cash in fully on the Nigerian striker, even if they’ll have to wait until the summer,” the report stated.

Osimhen is currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, where he has been in outstanding form. Since joining in September, the 25-year-old has scored eight goals and provided four assists in just nine appearances.

While Galatasaray has played down the likelihood of an early departure in January, the report suggests that a move could still be possible if a suitor meets the striker’s release clause.

Napoli’s stance reflects their intention to maximise Osimhen’s value, with other European heavyweights, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, previously expressing interest during the summer transfer window. The striker’s departure from Naples was delayed after negotiations for a permanent exit fell through, leading to his temporary move to Turkey.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are reportedly eager to secure Osimhen’s signature to bolster their attack, with the Red Devils open to including Zirkzee in a potential deal. However, Napoli appear uninterested in any player exchange and remain firm on their preference for a straightforward sale.

As it stands, Osimhen is expected to return to Napoli next summer unless a club meets his release clause during the winter transfer window. For now, the Nigerian international continues to make waves in Turkey while speculation about his future intensifies