Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been excluded from the Napoli squad for the upcoming Serie A season. The decision comes after his proposed transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli fell through on the deadline day of the summer transfer window.
The Italian club demanded an additional €5 million on top of the €80 million offered by Al-Ahli, leading to the collapse of the deal. Osimhen would have earned €40 million per season for four years had the transfer gone through.
Following the failed transfer, Osimhen and his agent reportedly expressed anger towards Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna. The incident has damaged the relationship between the player and the club.
As a result, Osimhen has been left out of Antonio Conte’s squad for the 2024-25 season. His former shirt number, 9, has been assigned to Romelu Lukaku, who has joined Napoli from Inter Milan.
Osimhen is now in a precarious situation, with no transfer prospects and a potential season on the sidelines.
Napoli’s next match is against Parma later today.
