Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli remains uncertain after he was excluded from the squad for the Serie A season. The Nigerian striker had been linked with a transfer to Chelsea or Al-Ahli but those moves fell through. Chelsea reportedly did not meet his wage expectations, while Al-Ahli opted to sign Ivan Toney instead.
Giovanni Manna, Napoli’s Director, stated that several options are still available for Osimhen, although he does not anticipate a move to Saudi Arabia. Manna noted that Osimhen made it clear he did not wish to continue at Napoli, prompting the club to pursue other players, including Romelu Lukaku, who has taken over Osimhen’s number nine shirt.
With the January transfer window still months away, Osimhen could face a prolonged absence from competitive football unless Napoli can find a suitable solution. Manna highlighted that the transfer market remains open in other countries, suggesting that opportunities may still arise for the player.
Following Napoli’s recent win against Parma, Manager Antonio Conte stated that Osimhen will not be reintegrated into the squad. The team achieved a 2-1 comeback victory, which further solidified the club’s position without the striker. Conte emphasised that those excluded from the project will not return to the fold.
The situation presents a challenging period for Osimhen, who was instrumental in Napoli’s successful championship only two seasons ago. With no clear resolution in sight, both the player and the club are navigating a complex situation that could impact their respective futures.