Sports
Barca strike tourism deal with war-torn DRC amid financial squeeze
Barcelona have struck a landmark four-year sponsorship agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo aimed at promoting the country’s tourism industry and boosting the war-torn nation’s global image.
The deal, finalized June 29, is reported to be worth around 44 million euros ($46.37 million) and marks one of the most ambitious partnerships between a top football club and an African nation grappling with decades of conflict and instability.
Under the contract, the DRC’s “Visit Congo, the Heart of Africa” campaign will appear on the backs of Barcelona’s training and warm-up jerseys for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Although Barcelona’s primary matchday shirts will retain their main sponsor, Spotify, the DRC logo will be featured prominently on youth and basketball team sleeves.
The agreement also includes integration of the DRC’s branding across the club’s global marketing platforms, including digital campaigns, the club magazine, and advertising materials, reaching an estimated 400 million fans worldwide.
This partnership comes at a critical moment for Barcelona, which is navigating ongoing financial constraints under La Liga’s strict financial fair play rules.
As of July 2025, the club remains outside the league’s 1:1 spending ratio, which requires clubs to balance their expenditures with income.
The infusion of sponsorship money from the DRC will help Barcelona comply with these regulations, enabling key player registrations and supporting plans for the partial reopening of Spotify Camp Nou later this year.
Club president Joan Laporta has praised the deal as essential for stabilizing finances while maintaining competitiveness both domestically and in Europe.
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, the agreement is a strategic move to rebrand a country known more for conflict than tourism.
Rich in natural wonders such as Virunga National Park and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, the DRC has struggled to attract visitors due to persistent violence and political instability.
The government is betting on Barcelona’s global stature to change that narrative, hoping to draw tourists, investors, and a younger generation eager to explore Africa’s hidden gems.
The DRC’s sponsorship push extends beyond Barcelona.
The country recently signed similar deals with AC Milan, paying 14 million euros per season for training kit branding, and with AS Monaco for 1.6 million euros annually.
Sports and Tourism Minister Didier Budimbu described these partnerships as part of a larger effort to position the DRC as a continental leader in tourism and economic development.
A friendly match involving Barcelona in Kinshasa is also in discussion, intended to further raise the country’s profile.
Country in turmoil
However, the deal has sparked controversy at home and abroad.
Eastern Congo remains volatile, with the rebel group M23 seizing the city of Goma in early 2025 and displacing thousands.
A recent United Nations report accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23 to control mineral-rich territories, fueling regional tensions.
In response, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner publicly urged major European clubs to end their sponsorship ties with Rwanda’s “Visit Rwanda” campaign, calling it “blood-stained.”
Critics argue that investing over 40 million euros in a football sponsorship is misplaced when millions of Congolese face poverty, disease, and ongoing violence.
Yet, Congolese officials defend the deal as a long-term investment in the country’s “soft power,” infrastructure, and global image.
By leveraging Barcelona’s vast reach and appeal, they hope to attract tourism and foreign investment that can eventually help stabilize and develop the nation.
Barcelona’s partnership with the DRC fits within a broader trend of African countries using football sponsorships to boost their international standing.
Rwanda’s “Visit Rwanda” campaign, for example, has linked with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain to successfully increase tourist arrivals despite political controversy.
Unlike Rwanda’s focus on matchday kit branding, the DRC’s agreement centers on training and promotional materials but still promises extensive exposure through Barcelona’s vast media ecosystem.
For Barcelona, the deal builds on a history of innovative sponsorships with global brands like Rakuten and Spotify, and it complements the club’s social initiatives through the Barca Foundation.
The inclusion of humanitarian and educational programs in the DRC underscores an effort to balance commercial interests with corporate social responsibility.
Türkiye Wrestling Federation President Taha Akgül, joined by Olympic legend Rıza Kayaalp and rising star Muhammed İlkhan, visited Kars this week as part of a nationwide push to revive and elevate the sport of wrestling across all 81 provinces.
‘We owe wrestling everything’
Speaking at a youth event at Şehit Şentürk Aydıner Youth Center, Akgül emphasized their deep commitment: “We owe a debt of loyalty to wrestling. We’re giving our nights and days to this cause, traveling across Türkiye with a sincere purpose: to ignite wrestling again in every corner of the country.”
Akgül, who transitioned from champion wrestler to federation president, said the tour aims to uncover talent from underrepresented regions like Eastern Anatolia.
“We don’t wait for talent to come to us – we go to them,” he said. “Kars is just as valuable as Istanbul. Wrestling belongs to all of Türkiye.”
Anatolia’s young powerhouse
Akgül described Türkiye’s 20 million-strong youth population as a goldmine for future champions.
“Anatolia is perfectly built for wrestling – physically, culturally and spiritually,” he said. “There are thousands of hidden talents waiting to be discovered.”
In a recent youth championship in Sivas, over 6,300 young athletes participated – including one from Kars who walked away with a medal. That athlete is now part of the national development camp.
From champions to mentors
Now in leadership roles, both Akgül and Kayaalp – who together boast Olympic, world and European titles – say their mission has shifted from winning medals to mentoring the next generation.
Kayaalp added: “We’re working hard to grow the sport and nurture new talent. Wrestling gave us everything – it’s our turn to give back.”
Muhammed Ilkhan agreed, highlighting the untapped potential of Türkiye’s eastern provinces: “The kids here have the altitude, the strength, the resilience. With the right guidance, they can become world champions.”
Incentives and support for young athletes
Akgül also reminded attendees of the state’s strong support for elite wrestlers: university entry privileges, direct teaching posts, national athlete status, free public transport, and lifelong honorary pensions for decorated athletes.
“These are more than benefits – they’re life-changing. Our goal is to make sure every talented child knows what’s possible,” Akgül said.
The visit concluded with encouragement for local youth to embrace wrestling and help revive Türkiye’s oldest and proudest sport.
Kars Youth and Sports Director Mehmet Başköylü, AK Party Provincial Chair Muammer Sancar, and other local officials and coaches were in attendance.
The recent FIFA Club World Cup held across 11 American cities was not just a showcase of global football talent but a blistering warning about the escalating dangers of playing in extreme heat – a challenge set to intensify at next year’s World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Throughout the tournament, soaring temperatures and fierce thunderstorms forced FIFA to implement enhanced heat protocols.
These included extra hydration breaks, increased water supply at the sidelines, and cooling stations equipped with fans and shade for players.
Despite these measures, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez revealed the brutal conditions left him dizzy and pleaded for FIFA to avoid afternoon kickoffs at the World Cup next summer.
Scientific experts warn that the tradition of staging the World Cup in June and July, dating back to the first tournament in 1930, faces mounting risks due to global warming.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, average global temperatures during these months have risen 1.05 degrees Celsius (1.89 degrees Fahrenheit) since the early 20th century, with European summers warming even faster by 1.81 degrees Celsius.
This rise in heat, coupled with longer and more intense heat waves, is making outdoor sports increasingly hazardous.
Professor Piers Forster, director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures in Leeds, England, sounded a stark warning: “We are only one heatwave away from a sporting tragedy.” He urged sports governing bodies, including FIFA, to seriously consider more dramatic changes such as shifting the tournament to winter months or cooler locations.
Climatologist Friederike Otto of Imperial College London added, “If you want to play football for 10 hours a day, they’ll have to be the hours of the early morning and late evening – if you don’t want players and fans to die from heatstroke or get severely ill with heat exhaustion.”
FIFPRO, the global players’ union, has flagged six of the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup as “extremely high risk” for heat stress, underscoring the severity of the problem.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged concerns, promising that the stadiums with roofs will be prioritized for day games.
Yet with the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams, the packed schedule will likely still require many afternoon kickoffs.
The 2030 World Cup, planned for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, faces similar, if not greater, heat challenges.
These countries have experienced multiple days with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) this summer.
Despite these warnings, FIFA’s internal review of the 2030 bid downplays the risk, claiming weather conditions are “unlikely to affect the health of players or other participants.”
Heat poses a direct threat to athlete health. Julien Periard of the University of Canberra explained that playing under extreme heat can cause hyperthermia – dangerously elevated body temperature – leading to increased cardiovascular strain, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke.
Other major sports events often schedule competitions in early morning or late evening to mitigate heat risk, but football’s World Cup timing traditionally revolves around European television audiences, making changes difficult.
The 2022 Qatar World Cup was a notable exception, moved to November and December to avoid intense summer heat. A similar adjustment is expected for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 tournament.
However, shifting the World Cup calendar is complicated. Europe’s powerful domestic leagues and the Champions League depend on uninterrupted seasons, and FIFA has not indicated any serious consideration of alternate dates for upcoming tournaments.
Beyond elite sport, climate change is impacting all physical activity.
Professor Ollie Jay from the University of Sydney noted that in 2023, athletes and recreational exercisers face 28% more days with moderate to severe heat risk compared to the 1990s.
University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann described this as “symbolic of something bigger,” warning of the fundamental disruptions climate change poses to modern life.
The Turkish Taekwondo Federation has announced a 39-athlete squad to represent the nation in July 2025.
The team will compete in three major events: the FISU World University Games in Germany, the European Youth Olympic Festival in North Macedonia, and the inaugural European Para Youth Games in Istanbul.
With competitors spanning both kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms), as well as para-taekwondo disciplines, Türkiye aims to further cement its place among the global elite.
University elites take the stage in Rhine-Ruhr
At the FISU 2025 World University Games, held July 16-27 in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region, 21 Turkish student-athletes will vie for medals in kyorugi and poomsae events.
Long considered a launchpad for Olympic success, the Universiade gives Türkiye’s scholar-fighters a chance to showcase their dual dedication to academics and elite sport.
In kyorugi, a strong women’s lineup includes Emine Gögebakan in the 46 kg. class, Elif Sude Akgül (49 kg.), and Sude Yaren Uzunçavdar (73 kg.), all known for speed, precision, and tactical prowess.
Heavyweight Esra Akbulak is eyeing the podium, while the men’s team, led by Alihan Kuru (54 kg.) and Hüseyin Berat Demircioğlu (+87 kg.), brings depth and power across weight classes.
Türkiye’s poomsae representatives – Gülsena Karakuyulu Ertunç, Muhammed Emir Yılmaz, and Furkan Bayrak among them – will focus on choreographed performance, where precision, rhythm, and balance matter as much as power.
These athletes carry forward a strong tradition of Turkish excellence in technical forms.
With a decorated past in the Universiade, Türkiye hopes to match or exceed its previous medal haul, continuing a lineage that includes Olympic medalists like Hakan Reçber and Nafia Kuş.
The competition also offers key developmental experience for athletes with their eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Tomorrow’s champions
While university-level stars fight in Germany, Türkiye’s next wave of taekwondo talent heads to Skopje, North Macedonia, for the European Youth Olympic Festival, running July 20-26.
Ten athletes aged 14-18 will represent the country in kyorugi, eager to gain international experience and measure themselves against Europe’s best.
Among the standouts is Damla Nur Yılmaz (44 kg.), a speed-driven lightweight, and Sıla Irmak Uzunçavdar (55 kg.), who follows in the footsteps of her older sister Sude.
On the men’s side, Emre Talha Evin (55 kg.) and Nusret Efe Çakır (63 kg.) bring aggressive styles and promising national records.
The EYOF is widely regarded as a proving ground for future Olympians. It’s the same stage where several of Türkiye’s current national team members first emerged.
This year’s edition offers both medals and momentum for young athletes aspiring to break into senior competition in the coming years.
EPYG makes history in Istanbul
Istanbul will host the inaugural European Para Youth Games from July 21-28, marking a milestone for para-sport in Türkiye.
For the first time, the city will welcome young para-athletes from across Europe, with Türkiye’s eight-member para-taekwondo team competing in poomsae disciplines.
Gizem Bayrak and Ayşe Selenay Akyazıcı lead the home contingent, joined by athletes such as Ömer Tutmeri and Cemal Öztürk, who bring a blend of poise and competitive drive. Their routines will showcase adaptation, creativity, and determination – hallmarks of para-taekwondo.
This event not only highlights Türkiye’s growing investment in para-sport but also offers young athletes a chance to inspire on home soil.
With role models like Paralympian Meryem Betül Çavdar paving the way, the EPYG serves as a crucial step toward broader recognition and opportunity.
United push across all levels
Türkiye’s simultaneous participation in three prestigious taekwondo events in one month reflects its deep bench of talent and commitment to all tiers of development.
From teenagers at the EYOF to student-athletes at the Universiade and para-sport pioneers at the EPYG, the nation is presenting a complete portfolio of future stars.
Veterans like Gülsena Karakuyulu Ertunç in poomsae, rising medal favorites like Sude Yaren Uzunçavdar, and trailblazers such as Gizem Bayrak offer a compelling mix of leadership, potential, and ambition.
Each athlete, in their own arena, is part of Türkiye’s broader taekwondo legacy – one shaped by champions like Servet Tazegül and carried forward by the new generation.
Navigating the global stage
While competition will be fierce, with South Korea, China, Great Britain, and Spain expected to field strong teams, Türkiye’s comprehensive preparation, including international training camps and strategic match-ups, positions them well for success.
The home-court advantage in Istanbul is expected to boost morale and visibility for para-athletes, while the presence of mentors and veteran coaches across all teams ensures readiness under pressure.
The Turkish women’s national volleyball team – widely known as the “Sultans of the Net” – have announced a formidable extended squad for the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Thailand, set to take place from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7.
Head coach Daniele Santarelli, the architect of Türkiye’s recent golden generation, has crafted a 22-player preliminary roster rich in star power, experience and youthful promise.
The team will face Spain, Bulgaria and Canada in Group E, a trio of stylistically varied opponents that should challenge Türkiye’s tactical versatility and mental stamina.
This World Championship, held quadrennially, is one of volleyball’s most prized stages, drawing 24 elite teams into a month-long marathon of high-caliber action.
For Türkiye, which won the 2023 Volleyball Nations League and captured bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the tournament is more than just another campaign – it’s a declaration of their arrival among the sport’s global giants.
Forged by fire
Under Santarelli’s stewardship, the Turkish squad has grown from regional contender to international powerhouse.
Tactical fluidity, defensive grit, and a lethal offensive trio led by superstar opposite hitter Melissa Vargas have become hallmarks of this squad.
Ranked among the world’s top teams, Türkiye now carries the weight of expectation into Thailand.
The Sultans’ depth was on full display in recent tournaments, and the 22-player extended roster reflects a careful balance of seasoned veterans and rising stars.
That roster will eventually be whittled down to 14, as required by FIVB regulations.
Core of champions
The setting corps is anchored by Cansu Özbay, whose court vision and tempo control have made her indispensable.
Backing her are Elif Şahin and promising newcomer Dilay Özdemir, while Sıla Çalışkan and Arelya Karasoy Koçaş round out a deep group.
At opposite hitter, Vargas looms large – both literally and figuratively.
The Cuban-Turkish dynamo, MVP of the 2023 VNL, remains Türkiye’s offensive spearhead.
Behind her, Aleksia Karutasu, Defne Başyolcu, and Aylin Uysalcan provide layers of firepower, ready to step in if needed.
Balanced attack
Türkiye’s outside hitters must serve as two-way players, scoring in attack and anchoring the first line of defense.
Veterans like Hande Baladın and Meliha Diken bring experience and poise, while Ebrar Karakurt, the flamboyant southpaw with a thunderous serve, remains one of the most electrifying players in the sport.
Saliha Şahin and Derya Cebecioğlu provide steadiness, with Yaprak Erkek and İlkin Aydın offering dynamic energy and passing precision.
Wall in the middle
Eda Erdem Dündar, the spiritual and tactical captain, continues to be the heart of the Turkish defense.
Her ability to read attacks and lead from the front makes her irreplaceable.
Alongside her is Zehra Güneş, whose timing and reach make her a nightmare at the net for opposing hitters.
Veteran Aslı Kalaç, the athletic Sinead Jack-Kısal, and prospects Deniz Uyanık and Berka Buse Özden provide depth and diversity in the middle blocker position, each capable of contributing when called upon.
Backcourt backbone
No defense functions without elite liberos, and Türkiye has two.
Gizem Örge, widely regarded as the best libero in the world after earning top honors in the 2023 VNL, returns to lead the backcourt.
Simge Aköz, a seasoned and consistent performer, partners with her to form an elite defensive tandem.
Youngster Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın rounds out the group, gaining crucial experience for future campaigns.
Caution signs
Though Türkiye enters Group E as heavy favorites, each opponent presents unique hurdles.
Spain offers a disciplined but less athletic unit; Bulgaria brings a gritty, unpredictable style that can frustrate stronger sides.
Canada, led by the high-flying Kiera Van Ryk, is athletic, hungry, and capable of springing an upset if underestimated.
Navigating the group with clean wins will be crucial to securing a favorable path in the knockout stages, where volleyball’s elite – Italy, Brazil, and the United States – await.
Building a legacy
The stakes are high. Türkiye’s women have never reached the World Championship final, let alone claimed gold.
Their best finish came in 2010, when they landed sixth.
But times have changed. This team carries the swagger of champions, with a track record that includes a European Championship title, a VNL crown, and Olympic hardware.
This World Championship is not just about validation – it’s a springboard to 2026’s edition in Europe and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Success in Thailand would not only boost their international standing but ignite further interest in the sport domestically, where volleyball has soared in popularity over the last five years.
Players to watch
Melissa Vargas remains the focal point. Her jump serve, unmatched vertical and offensive range make her nearly unguardable.
Captain Eda Erdem’s leadership and blocking are foundational.
Karakurt, with her fire and flair, is capable of swinging momentum on her own.
And Gizem Örge will anchor a defense that must withstand the best hitters in the world.
The supporting cast is no less vital – whether it’s Elif Şahin keeping the offense humming, Zehra Güneş patrolling the net, or Saliha Şahin shoring up serve reception under pressure.
Türkiye’s football powerhouses – Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor – are lighting up the 2025 summer transfer window with aggressive bids and high-profile negotiations, aiming to reshape their squads and reignite European ambitions.
Beşiktaş: Big dreams, bold bids
Beşiktaş are going all in to bring Kerem Aktürkoğlu back to Türkiye, offering Benfica a swap deal involving Jean Onana and Al Musrati.
The Turkish international, reportedly unsettled in Portugal, is at the top of Beşiktaş’s wishlist.
To strengthen their hand, the club is using the influence of Orkun Kökçü – recently signed from Benfica for 20 million-25 million euros ($23 million-$29 million) and a former teammate of Aktürkoğlu – as part of their persuasive strategy.
In another bold attempt to strengthen their wings, Beşiktaş have set their sights on Jadon Sancho, who has struggled for regular game time at Manchester United.
Club officials are preparing to travel to England to negotiate directly with United and the player in hopes of striking a deal.
Talks have also begun with Memphis Depay, currently at Corinthians, who is reportedly eager to return to European football.
Beşiktaş believes the Dutch international would bring experience, versatility, and much-needed creativity to their attack.
The club has already made headlines with the arrivals of Tammy Abraham and David Jurasek, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the new season as Beşiktaş builds a squad capable of domestic and European success.
Fenerbahçe: Mourinho’s revolution
Under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahçe are aggressively pursuing high-profile reinforcements.
Granit Xhaka, the 32-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, is in talks with the Istanbul club following the collapse of a proposed move to Neom SC in Saudi Arabia.
Fenerbahçe’s sporting director, Devin Özek, is leading the negotiations personally.
Alongside Xhaka, Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma has emerged as Mourinho’s top midfield target. However, the deal is proving difficult due to the player’s high price tag and reluctance to leave the Premier League.
In perhaps the most ambitious move of the window, Fenerbahçe are making a push to sign Heung-min Son.
The club has reportedly offered the Tottenham captain a lucrative salary package, hoping to tempt the South Korean star into a return to Turkish football.
They have reached an agreement on personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.
Discussions with PSG are now focused on structuring the payment, with Fenerbahçe optimistic about finalizing the transfer soon.
Midfielder İsmail Yüksek could be on the way out, as Serie A side Udinese have submitted an offer. The 25-year-old is considering the move in search of more playing time.
Fenerbahçe have already secured the services of Jhon Duran on loan, and signed Archie Brown from KAA Gent for 8-9 million euros, outpacing interest from AC Milan.
The club was also in discussions with Marco Asensio, but the Spanish forward turned down their 9 million euro-per-year offer in favor of an Italian club.
Injuries, however, are casting a shadow over preseason preparations.
Anderson Talisca is out with a hamstring injury, while Rodrigo Becao, Mert Hakan Yandaş, and Cenk Tosun are also dealing with setbacks ahead of the team’s Portugal training camp.
Galatasaray: Power moves
Galatasaray have opened negotiations with Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who is reportedly interested in returning to Türkiye.
Talks are ongoing, but the club’s main focus remains on securing the services of Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
The Nigerian striker is a top priority, with Galatasaray prepared to allocate major resources to complete the deal.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray have successfully signed Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich, adding pace and experience to their flanks. In goal, the club is targeting Yann Sommer of Inter Milan.
The Swiss international is said to be keen on the move, and discussions over salary are underway.
Galatasaray have also made an offer for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, the club has made it clear they will not exceed their transfer budget to close the deal.
Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are exploring a potential loan move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae.
The South Korean previously played for Fenerbahçe and could be an asset to either Istanbul side’s backline.
Elsewhere, Italian side Como have submitted a 25 million euros bid for Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez and Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
Galatasaray are weighing the financial advantages against the risk of weakening their defensive core.
Trabzonspor: Experience incoming
Trabzonspor are on the verge of finalizing a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
The 30-year-old has reached a personal agreement with the Turkish club and is working on terminating his contract with Atletico.
Once that is settled, he is expected to travel to Istanbul to complete the move.
The club has already strengthened its ranks with the signings of Wagner Pina and Paul Onuachu, signaling its intent to challenge the traditional Istanbul giants in the upcoming season.
Across the league
On the continental front, Turkish clubs are aiming for more than just domestic dominance.
Fenerbahçe, guided by Mourinho, is targeting the Champions League, while Galatasaray and Beşiktaş are reinforcing for the Europa League and Conference League campaigns.
Rumors and whispers
Fenerbahçe are monitoring Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, both viewed as potential additions to Mourinho’s attack.
For one that sounds a bit far-fetched, the Istanbul-based club has also submitted a 40 million euro bid for Raphinha, though Barcelona remain intent on keeping the Brazilian winger.
Meanwhile, İrfan Can Kahveci is reportedly frustrated by a lack of minutes at Fenerbahçe. The midfielder has instructed his agent to seek a move elsewhere, with Beşiktaş showing early interest.
The future of Victor Osimhen hangs in the balance as Galatasaray and Napoli head into what could be the decisive round of talks to secure the Nigerian striker’s permanent move to Istanbul.
The Super Eagle, who became a cult hero during his loan spell last season, has made his intentions clear: he wants to stay.
But Napoli’s financial demands and hardline stance are pushing the deal to the brink.
Osimhen, 26, fired Galatasaray to a domestic double last season, netting 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 matches.
He has told Napoli he has no interest in joining another club and is furious at what he calls deliberate obstruction. “Enough is enough. I want Galatasaray,” he reportedly told the Italian side. “What’s your problem with me?”
Despite Galatasaray’s 70 million euros ($81.4 million) bid, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has held firm, refusing to budge from the 75 million euros release clause.
Napoli wants 50 million euros paid upfront and the remaining 25 million euros by 2026.
Galatasaray, constrained by Financial Fair Play rules, prefers a longer installment plan – 40 million euros upfront and 35 million euros spread until 2027.
Napoli has also demanded a 20% sell-on clause and a three-year ban on selling Osimhen to another Serie A club – conditions Galatasaray is reportedly willing to meet.
‘Let Osimhen go’
Osimhen, frustrated by the deadlock, has skipped Napoli’s pre-season camp, citing a medical exemption.
His close friend Buchi Laba publicly accused Napoli of “deliberately frustrating and wearing him down,” echoing concerns that the club is stalling the transfer out of spite rather than strategy.
Tensions flared further when Football Italia claimed that Napoli Vice President Edoardo De Laurentiis received threats from individuals allegedly linked to the Turkish Mafia.
A Turkish journalist allegedly published WhatsApp messages saying, “Let Osimhen go or you are finished.” While Galatasaray has distanced itself from the incident, the episode has added volatility to an already fiery negotiation.
A key obstacle remains financial assurances.
Galatasaray claim to have secured funds from a 500 million euro deal involving the sale of their training ground to the City of Istanbul, but Napoli have denied receiving any bank guarantee.
A club official speaking to SABAH Spor said no financial proof has been presented, despite ongoing talks.
Meanwhile, Saudi club Al-Hilal remains in the wings with a 75 million euros offer structured over two payments.
However, Osimhen has rejected their advances multiple times, unwilling to trade Champions League football for the Saudi Pro League.
Premier League giants, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal, have also been linked but remain on the sidelines without formal bids.
Napoli’s resolve is rooted in long-term planning.
With Romelu Lukaku already signed and Darwin Nunez on their radar, Osimhen no longer fits into Antonio Conte’s vision.
But with his contract extended until 2026 – plus an option for 2027 – Napoli holds leverage and wants to extract maximum value.
Today’s meeting is being described as pivotal. Galatasaray is expected to submit a revised offer closer to Napoli’s 75 million euro demand. The Italian club has set a firm deadline of July 19 to receive a full financial guarantee, or shift focus to Al-Hilal’s offer.
Osimhen has already agreed to personal terms with Galatasaray: a three-year deal worth 16 million euros annually.
But unless the two clubs find common ground within days, the summer’s most dramatic transfer saga could take yet another unexpected turn.
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EU, UK slap Russia with new sanctions targeting energy revenue, spies
DAESH Operation in 28 provinces: 153 suspects were caught
New Development in the Corruption Investigation against IMM: 18 people detention decision! Here is the name that list …
EU, UK slap Russia with new sanctions targeting energy revenue, spies
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