'Had a phone conversation' - Uzundurukan reveals Galatasaray coach's transfer message to Osimhen

The future of Victor Osimhen remains unresolved despite Napoli's initial intention to offload the striker early in the summer transfer window to avoid a repeat of last season's transfer saga.

Napoli had hoped to finalize a deal swiftly to prevent a similar situation to last summer when Osimhen joined Galatasaray after failed deadline day moves to Chelsea and Al-Ahli.

Although Osimhen is attracting interest from top European clubs, his €75 million valuation, a figure Napoli are unwilling to lower, has proven to be a significant stumbling block for potential suitors.

One club that could meet the valuation without problems is Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

However, despite the staggering wages on offer, Osimhen is reportedly hesitant about making the move to the Saudi Pro League at this point in his career.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are also in the mix and keen to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent deal.

But unlike Al-Hilal, they lack the financial capacity to match Napoli's asking price or the Saudi club's wage offer.

A Spor commentator Zeki Uzundurukan has revealed that Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk personally reached out to Osimhen in an effort to lure him to the club.

Buruk had a direct phone conversation with the Napoli forward and made Galatasaray's intentions clear.

In quotes relayed by habersarikirmizi.com, Uzundurukan said: "Okan Buruk had a phone conversation with Victor Osimhen and said, 'We are waiting for you at Galatasaray.' It was a very good meeting."

Osimhen enjoyed the most productive season of his career while at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and providing 8 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.

If no transfer materializes in the next two weeks, the Nigeria international is expected to report for pre-season training with Napoli, even though he is not in the plans of manager Antonio Conte for the forthcoming season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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