‘Anti-Juventus clause’ blocks Serie A club from signing Nigerian star

Serie A giants Juventus have hit a major stumbling block in their pursuit of Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen is facing another summer of uncertainty over his future at the Turkish champions as interest in his services continues to grow from several top clubs across Europe.

The 27-year-old initially joined Galatasaray on loan in 2024 before the move was made permanent for a Turkish record €75 million last summer. He has since repaid the club's faith, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions.

While Barcelona are no longer pursuing a deal, Tottenham Hotspur have already entered the race for his signature ahead of next season. Meanwhile, Manchester United, Arsenal and long-time admirers Juventus have also explored the possibility of signing the Nigerian striker.

The Bianconeri are looking to strengthen their attack after Dusan Vlahovic left the club following the expiry of his contract, with both parties unable to agree on a new deal.

Juventus had identified Osimhen as a potential replacement for the Serbian, but their pursuit has now run into a major obstacle.

Juventus hit stumbling block in Osimhen pursuit

According to TalkJuve, Juventus cannot pursue a move for Osimhen despite their long-standing interest because of an ‘anti-Juventus' clause included in the agreement that took the striker from Napoli to Galatasaray.

Osimhen spent four years at Napoli between 2020 and 2024 before joining Galatasaray on loan. When the Turkish champions paid €75 million to make the move permanent last summer, Napoli reportedly inserted a clause preventing the Nigerian from joining Juventus. That clause has now effectively ruled out a transfer to the Turin giants this summer.

It also means Osimhen cannot reunite with his former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti, under whom he enjoyed the best period of his career. The pair famously led Napoli to the historic 2022-23 Serie A title, ending the club's 33-year wait for the Scudetto.

Osimhen finished that campaign as Serie A's Best Striker and was also named the league's Player of the Year and their successful partnership had raised hopes that they could work together again at Juventus.

The Super Eagles star had also been tipped as the ideal replacement for Vlahovic. While Juventus would have had no problem matching Galatasaray's asking price, the clause means they are unable to pursue a deal.

Galatasaray cannot sell Osimhen directly to Juventus because of the agreement with Napoli. The only possible route would be for the Turkish champions to sell him to another club before Juventus sign him from there.

However, such a scenario is highly complicated and is not a realistic possibility this summer, with Juventus now expected to turn their attention to alternative striker targets as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season.

For now, Osimhen is set to remain at Galatasaray and lead the club’s attack next season as they chase an unprecedented fifth straight Super Lig title.