Osimhen’s Galatasaray Deal Puts Morata’s Como Move on Hold — Transfer Tug-of-War Intensifies

Alvaro Morata’s much-anticipated move to Italian side Como is hanging in the balance as Galatasaray await the finalization of Victor Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli. Sources close to the Turkish champions confirmed that Morata will not be released until the Nigerian striker’s deal is sealed—a move that could reshape both clubs’ attacking setups this summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed Tuesday night, July 9, 2025, that the Spaniard’s loan exit from Galatasaray is conditional. The Istanbul-based club reportedly considers Osimhen their primary replacement and are stalling Morata’s release to avoid a void in their frontline.

“Álvaro Morata will become a new Como player from AC Milan… as soon as Victor Osimhen re-joins Galatasaray,” Romano tweeted. “The condition for Gala to break Morata’s loan deal and send him back to Italy is a new striker joining. And Osimhen’s currently one step away from Gala return.”

Como’s deal with Morata is practically complete, with only final approvals left. However, Galatasaray’s insistence on securing Osimhen first underscores just how critical the Nigerian is to their tactical plans for the 2025/2026 season. Reports indicate that negotiations with Napoli have reached advanced stages, with a fee slightly under €50 million on the table.

Osimhen, who previously played under intense scrutiny at Napoli, is said to be keen on a fresh start in Turkey. A move to Galatasaray would reunite him with a fan base already buzzing from his brief loan stint last season, which saw him net eight goals in 13 appearances.

Galatasaray fans, who were initially skeptical of letting Morata go, have since thrown their weight behind Osimhen’s potential return, with supporters trending the hashtag #OsimhenIsGala on Turkish social media. Club insiders say an announcement could be made by the weekend if personal terms are ironed out.

With the transfer market heating up across Europe, all eyes are now on Galatasaray’s next move. Will they land Osimhen and greenlight Morata’s exit to Como? Or will this three-club triangle turn into another long-drawn saga?