Napoli’s Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has been sidelined after being left off the squad list for the 2024/25 season, despite being a key player in their Serie A triumph just over a year ago. Osimhen, who scored 26 league goals during Napoli’s title-winning campaign, has now found himself on the outs with the club, with new signing Romelu Lukaku taking over his number nine shirt.
The departure of key figures such as coach Luciano Spalletti and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has left Napoli in disarray, with Osimhen looking to secure a move away from the club. Despite interest from top clubs such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, no deal has materialized due to Napoli’s high valuation and Osimhen’s wage demands. Saudi Pro League side Al-Alhi made an offer of 70 million euros, but it fell short of Napoli’s asking price.
Napoli, under new coach Antonio Conte, have been busy revamping their squad with seven new signings including Lukaku, David Neres, and Scott McTominay. Conte has praised Osimhen for his professionalism amid the transfer speculation, but the striker now faces the prospect of being isolated from the team and possibly not playing until January. Napoli’s focus is now on bouncing back from a disappointing season and preparing for their upcoming match against Parma.
As Osimhen remains in limbo, Napoli are moving forward with their new signings and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season. Lukaku’s arrival has added depth to their attacking options, while the arrival of other new faces has injected fresh energy into the squad. While Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, Napoli are focused on regaining their form and competing at the highest level in Serie A.
Despite his uncertain status at Napoli, Osimhen’s impact on the team’s success cannot be overlooked. His prolific goal-scoring played a key role in their title-winning campaign, and his absence will be felt by fans and teammates alike. As Napoli look to move on without Osimhen, they will need to adapt to a new style of play and find ways to fill the void left by the Nigerian forward. Only time will tell what the future holds for Osimhen and Napoli as they navigate a challenging period of transition.
