By Saka Bashir Adegboyega (SIWES student KWASU)
Nigerian international star Victor Osimhen has made it clear that he is content with his current situation at Napoli, dispelling any rumors of a move to the English Premier League clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Despite widespread interest during the summer transfer window, Napoli successfully retained their top scorer, who netted an impressive 26 goals in 32 Serie A games last season. While he was rumored to be a target for Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, demanded a substantial fee of over £100 million to consider his departure.
Osimhen’s performance in the 2023-24 season began with six goals and one assist in 10 games. Nevertheless, his long-term future remains uncertain as he enters the final two years of his Napoli contract, and negotiations for a renewal have hit roadblocks.
Osimhen faced some turmoil, including controversy over TikTok videos from Napoli that seemingly mocked him, leading to his agent briefly considering legal action. He also had disagreements with manager Rudi Garcia and faced rumors of a strained relationship between De Laurentiis and himself.
The Napoli president hinted that Osimhen might be sold in 2024 if he doesn’t extend his contract, piquing the interest of Liverpool and Chelsea. However, in a recent Twitch interview with Mario Balotelli and Emiliano Viviano, the 24-year-old expressed his love for Napoli, emphasizing the challenges of playing in Serie A, stating he is content there.
While there were links to Saudi Arabian clubs, Osimhen clarified that he would prefer to play in North America, particularly in the MLS, given the right conditions.
Napoli’s sporting director, Mauro Meluso, has ruled out a January exit for Osimhen, citing the squad’s depth and confidence in their current situation.
