Despite his desire to leave the Italian club, the Nigerian striker’s expected move to Chelsea has not come to fruition, leaving him in a state of uncertainty as the new season unfolds. In addition to the Blues’ interest, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have also emerged as a potential destination for Osimhen. They even reportedly agreed terms with Napoli, but the deal fell through when the Serie A club upped their demands, asking for an additional €5 million on top of the €80 million initially agreed.
However, the Saudi transfer window remains open until September 2, meaning the Nigerian could still avoid being stuck at Napoli until at least January. But Manna has expressed doubts about Osimhen joining a Saudi club despite being excluded from the squad and having his shirt retired. Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli from Chelsea, has already been handed the No.9 shirt, previously worn by Osimhen, indicating a clear change in the direction of the club.
Osimhen lost in limbo
In an interview with DAZN, Manna said: “ The situation is very clear. Victor expressed his absolute desire not to stay or not to play for Napoli. We tried to make him happy. Then there was a request and an offer, and we thought we had concluded the negotiations, but it didn’t work out. He expressed his desire not to play for Napoli anymore and so we made other choices. The transfer market is still open (in some countries), so there are many options, but I don’t think Victor will go to Saudi Arabia.”
Napoli manager Antonio Conte also weighed in on the situation, making it clear that Osimhen is no longer part of the club’s plans. Following Napoli’s dramatic Serie A win over Parma, Conte reiterated: “No player will be reinstated. Those who are out of the project will remain out of the project. We have made our choices and are all working together in the same direction.”
