Victor Osimhen’s summer of 2024 was marked by a whirlwind of speculation and failed negotiations, leaving the talented Nigerian striker in a state of uncertainty as the transfer window closed. Despite strong links to several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Al-Ahli, Osimhen remains at Napoli—albeit in a precarious position.
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The Chelsea Saga: A Deal That Never Materialised
Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen was one of the most talked-about potential transfers of the summer. The Blues were in dire need of a striker, and Osimhen, fresh off a stellar season in Serie A, seemed like the perfect fit. However, negotiations between the clubs only gained traction in the final days of the transfer window, which was far too late for a deal to materialise.
The breakdown in negotiations was primarily due to Chelsea’s salary offer, which fell significantly short of Osimhen’s expectations. With Napoli paying the striker over €10 million per season, Chelsea’s offer of €4 million in guaranteed pay, plus bonuses, was seen as insulting by Osimhen and his representatives. This significant discrepancy in financial terms ultimately halted the move, leaving Chelsea without the striker they desperately needed and Osimhen without his much-anticipated move to the Premier League.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, in a post-transfer window press conference, hinted that the club might revisit their interest in Osimhen in January. However, he also emphasised that any deal must be on Chelsea’s terms, suggesting that a significant compromise from either side would be necessary to resurrect the transfer.
Saudi Pro League Temptation and Rejection
Osimhen also came close to joining the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli, who reportedly offered him a lucrative €40 million per season contract. Napoli and Al-Ahli had agreed on a transfer fee of €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons, but the deal fell through when Napoli demanded an additional €5 million in bonuses. In a surprising twist, Al-Ahli turned their attention to Brentford’s Ivan Toney, leaving Osimhen without a viable exit.
The failed move to Saudi Arabia underscores the complexities of modern football transfers, where not only the player’s desires but also the club’s financial demands and the market’s shifting dynamics play pivotal roles.
Napoli’s Harsh Stance and Osimhen’s Uncertain Future
Back in Naples, Osimhen’s situation has taken a dramatic turn. Reports suggest that the club’s new manager, Antonio Conte, has decided to exclude Osimhen from Napoli’s first-team squad. This move is particularly surprising given Osimhen’s importance to Napoli in recent seasons, where he was instrumental in their Serie A success.
The exclusion appears to be a response to the failed transfer and Osimhen’s apparent desire to leave. Conte’s decision leaves Osimhen in limbo, potentially sidelined for several months until the January transfer window opens. This period could be crucial for the player’s career, as an enforced absence from competitive football might affect his form and market value.
What’s Next for Osimhen?
The coming months are pivotal for Osimhen. While a move in January is a possibility, much will depend on how the situation at Napoli evolves. If Conte remains resolute in his stance, Osimhen may have no choice but to push for an exit in the winter transfer window.
Clubs like Chelsea might renew their interest, especially if their striker situation remains unresolved. Additionally, other European giants or even Saudi Pro League clubs could enter the fray, offering Osimhen a fresh start.
One potential avenue for Osimhen to play regular football this season has appeared in recent days – Turkish giants Galatasaray have been linked with his signature in a loan deal due to the Turkish transfer window closing at a later date to the rest of Europe.
For now, Osimhen faces a challenging period of uncertainty. His career, which has been on an upward trajectory, is at a crossroads. The decisions made in the next few months will likely define the next chapter for one of football’s most promising talents.
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