Osimhen lost

Victor Osimhen was once valued at over €100 million and was a target for numerous major European clubs. However, when the transfer window opened, the Nigerian striker found himself in limbo, neither wanting to buy nor wanting to keep him.

Victor Osimhen was once valued at over 100 million euros and was a target for a number of major European clubs.

Victor Osimhen was once expected to be one of the biggest signings of the 2024 summer transfer window. After helping Napoli win the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season, the Nigerian striker affirmed his status as a top-class center forward in Europe.

Despite continuing to showcase impressive goalscoring performances during his most recent loan spell at Galatasaray, Osimhen has yet to find a new club as the transfer window has opened. This is a reality contrary to previous expectations.

Original plan

Napoli and Osimhen agreed on a carefully designed transfer plan in the summer of 2023: the Nigerian striker would sign a contract extension until 2026, with a release clause worth €120 million, expected to take effect in the summer of 2024. The goal for both sides was to facilitate Osimhen's departure after another season, while Napoli would retain their key player for another year and have time to prepare a replacement.

However, when the time came, the market had changed. The teams that had been mentioned as potential destinations – Real Madrid, PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal – had either found other options or were not willing to meet the accompanying financial conditions.

Real Madrid, after signing Kylian Mbappe, no longer needed to add another striker. Mbappe was intended to play as the furthest forward in the attack, making Osimhen's position unsuitable.

PSG also didn't pursue a classic "number 9" in Luis Enrique's system. Instead, the Parisian club focused on wing attackers like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - Osimhen's former teammate at Napoli.

However, when the transfer window opened, the Nigerian striker found himself in a dilemma, with no one willing to buy him and no one wanting to keep him.

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In the Premier League, Chelsea came close to signing Osimhen, but the deal fell through due to differences in salary expectations. Arsenal and Liverpool – who also need to strengthen their attack – are considering other options that are more suitable in terms of budget and tactics.

While on loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen had a successful season, scoring 37 goals in 41 matches and playing a crucial role in helping the team win the domestic double. Not only did he maintain his goal-scoring form, but Osimhen also demonstrated professionalism and team spirit, earning great favor with Turkish fans.

However, Galatasaray is unlikely to complete a permanent transfer due to financial constraints. Although both sides value each other highly, signing a long-term contract remains a major obstacle without financial support or concessions from Napoli or the player.

Currently, Osimhen has not received any official offers from top clubs in the five major European leagues. Meanwhile, teams in Saudi Arabia continue to show interest and are willing to make attractive financial offers. However, Osimhen himself and his agent have stated that his priority is to continue playing in Europe and competing in top competitions such as the Champions League.

Napoli is also under pressure to find a buyer for Osimhen. The relationship between the two sides is no longer ideal, while the player's salary still accounts for a significant portion of the club's wage bill. Their signing of Romelu Lukaku clearly shows their intention to replace Osimhen in attack.

The windows narrowed gradually.

A crucial factor is that Osimhen's €75 million release clause (for foreign clubs) expires on July 15th. After this date, if Napoli still haven't sold him, they may have to consider lower offers to avoid keeping a player who is outside their plans, while also reducing the financial pressure from his high salary.

Currently, Osimhen has not received any official offers from top clubs in the five major European leagues.

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It's possible that some teams are waiting until closer to that point to negotiate for more favorable terms. At the same time, player exchange options – for example, Osimhen for Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) or Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) – are also being considered, given that all parties are looking to revamp their attacking lines.

Victor Osimhen remains a quality striker, in the prime of his career and capable of adapting to various leagues. His failure to find a new club doesn't reflect a decline in his performance, but rather the result of a restructuring transfer market, changing tactical trends, and adjusted financial requirements.

For Osimhen, the important thing right now is to find a solution that is both sportingly and economically sound. For Napoli, definitively resolving this transfer will help the club stabilize its squad and avoid a repeat of the instability that occurred last season.

The transfer window is still open, and opportunities remain, provided both parties show goodwill and the necessary flexibility in negotiations.

Source: https://znews.vn/osimhen-lac-loi-post1565655.html