No clubs have yet made an approach for Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen, despite Napoli’s hopes to sell him this summer. The situation has created a sense of uncertainty around the future of the prolific striker, who has been a key player for the Italian club.
While Osimhen is keen on leaving, Napoli may have to reevaluate their options surrounding the Nigerian. The club's management is faced with the challenge of finding a suitable buyer who can meet their financial expectations.
Reports throughout the 2023/24 season suggest that Napoli are prepared to cash in on Osimhen this summer, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United initially showing interest. These clubs have been monitoring Osimhen's performances closely, considering him a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
This comes after he led the club’s goalscoring charts for the past two seasons, including in the Scudetto-winning 2022/23 campaign. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in European football.
Recall last year December, the 25-year-old penned a new deal with Napoli running until the summer of 2026. This contract extension was seen as a move to secure his future at the club and increase his market value.
Terms of the deal is what has posed a huge challenge for interested clubs to make an offer, as it includes a release clause believed to be in the region of €120m-€130m. This substantial release clause has been a significant deterrent for potential suitors, making them hesitant to initiate formal negotiations.
However, the lack of interest has not changed the player’s mind either, as he insists on leaving the Naples club. Osimhen remains determined to seek new challenges and opportunities elsewhere.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that, “Victor Osimhen’s plan is still to leave Napoli this summer as movement is expected soon. Romano's insights have added weight to the speculation surrounding Osimhen's potential departure.
He added that after a quiet June, “Napoli expect proposals to arrive for Osimhen as he could be on the move; the release clause is around €120m. Preference for Premier League but story still open.” The anticipation of incoming proposals suggests that the transfer saga is far from over, with the possibility of Osimhen joining a Premier League club remaining a tantalizing prospect for fans and analysts alike.
