Napoli President Doesn’t Exclude Osimhen Departure in Summer
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed that he cannot prevent Victor Osimhen from leaving the club this summer. In an interview at the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit in London, De Laurentiis confirmed that the Nigerian striker has a release clause in his contract. While he did not disclose the specific amount, he described it as “a very big amount of money.” This revelation has sparked speculation about Osimhen’s future, with several clubs being linked to the talented forward.
Osimhen, who signed a new contract with Napoli in December, extending his stay until June 2026, has been a key player for the Italian club. However, De Laurentiis acknowledged that Napoli has a history of losing top players, citing the departures of Edinson Cavani, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Dries Mertens. Despite his admiration for Osimhen’s skills, De Laurentiis understands that sentimentality cannot stand in the way of a player’s desire for success elsewhere.
While there are no concrete reports of Osimhen’s potential suitors, The Athletic has previously reported that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is considering him as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe’s contract with PSG expires in June 2024, and he is expected to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the current season. Osimhen has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the void left by Mbappe, with PSG reportedly weighing up a transfer approach in the summer.
Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has made a significant impact, scoring 72 goals in 122 appearances. In the current Serie A season, he has found the back of the net 11 times in just 15 matches. His impressive performances have undoubtedly caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.
While Napoli has a reputation for making astute acquisitions, De Laurentiis admits that the sentimental aspect of seeing a player leave is always challenging. He compared it to a parent seeing their child leave the nest. However, he expressed his happiness for players who find success elsewhere after leaving Napoli.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Osimhen and his future at Napoli. The club’s next match against Juventus on Sunday will provide another opportunity for him to shine and potentially attract even more interest from potential suitors.
In conclusion, the uncertainty surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli continues to make headlines. With a release clause in his contract and interest from top clubs such as PSG, it remains to be seen whether the talented Nigerian striker will remain with the Italian club. As fans eagerly await further developments, Osimhen’s performances on the pitch will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping his future.