Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly angered Napoli by refusing to leave Galatasaray in January, despite interest from Manchester United.

Osimhen, who signed a new contract with Napoli in December 2023, had included a €120 million release clause in the deal with the intention of securing a move six months later.

However, during the summer transfer window, no club met the release clause, and attempts to negotiate cheaper deals with Chelsea and Saudi Pro League clubs fell through on deadline day. This led the striker to join Galatasaray on loan in September 2024.

Napoli had hoped the loan spell would help Osimhen rediscover his form and attract a bid for his €81 million release clause in the January transfer window. However, Osimhen rejected Manchester United’s approach, telling Napoli’s director, Giovanni Manna, that he preferred to stay at Galatasaray until the end of the season.

The decision reportedly enraged Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who viewed it as another instance of Osimhen complicating his situation at the club. If Osimhen is not sold by the end of the season, his release clause will reportedly drop to €75 million.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that a January move is still a possibility but emphasized that no deal is currently in advanced stages.

“In terms of chance to move, it’s possible. But at the moment nothing is advanced or close with any club despite the links around. It’s still early for this one,” Romano said.

Napoli’s management continues to face uncertainty over the striker’s future as the January transfer window progresses.