Napoli may need to reconsider their stance on Victor Osimhen’s transfer fee as no clubs have yet made a move for the Nigerian striker, despite the club’s intentions to sell him this summer, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Despite being Napoli’s top scorer over the past two seasons, including their 2022/23 Scudetto-winning campaign, Napoli is prepared to cash in on Osimhen. The 25-year-old forward extended his contract with Napoli last December, which reportedly includes a release clause ranging between €120m and €130m.
While Napoli anticipated interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that no formal approaches have been received.
This lack of transfer activity poses potential challenges for Napoli and their new coach Antonio Conte, who may depend on Osimhen’s sale to fund other transfers this summer, possibly including a move for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.
Osimhen’s hefty annual salary of approximately €10m under his new contract also poses financial challenges for Napoli, especially as they plan for a squad overhaul under Conte.
Club President Aurelio De Laurentiis is awaiting feedback from sporting director Giovanni Manna and Osimhen’s representatives before making further decisions. However, there are indications from La Gazzetta that Napoli might need to reconsider their asking price to facilitate a deal this summer.
Initial reports suggested Napoli had already reduced Osimhen’s price tag to €100m from the original release clause range of €120m-€130m. Despite this adjustment, no concrete offers have materialized.
There have been discussions in Italy about a potential player-swap deal involving Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood joining Napoli, with Osimhen moving in the opposite direction. Greenwood, 22, who had charges against him dropped last year, impressed during his loan spell at Getafe in La Liga, attracting interest from clubs like Juventus, Lazio, and Napoli.
To facilitate Osimhen’s potential move to the Premier League, Napoli may need to further revise their expectations in negotiations.
As the transfer window progresses, Napoli faces increasing pressure to resolve Osimhen’s future swiftly, ensuring they can execute their summer transfer plans effectively under Conte’s leadership.
