- Victor Osimhen remains at Napoli after a failed transfer to Chelsea
- Osimhen reportedly held out for Chelsea, but the deal fell through at the last moment
- Osimhen’s future at Napoli is now uncertain, with no other offers on the table
The Serie A club had initially secured Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, preparing for Victor Osimhen’s anticipated departure. The expectation was that Osimhen would sign with the Blues during the summer transfer window, with West London reportedly pursuing the Super Eagles forward throughout the offseason.
However, despite ongoing negotiations, a deal was never finalised.
Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli had reportedly agreed to terms with Napoli, offering Osimhen a lucrative contract that would double his current €12.8 million annual salary.
Despite the enticing offer, Osimhen declined, reportedly holding out for Chelsea.
Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, this strategy didn’t pay off.
According to reports, Chelsea’s offer fell short of his expectations, leaving him in limbo as the transfer window closed.
As of August 31, Saturday morning, Osimhen remains a Napoli player, with his future uncertain. If no other club makes a late bid and except Osimhen accept, he will stay in Naples for the time being.
However, reports suggest that Osimhen may face an even bigger challenge, after being sidelined from the Napoli first-team squad. With Antonio Conte favouring Lukaku as his main striker, Osimhen could find himself without a place in the team unless injury opens up an opportunity.
Reactions erupt over Osimhen’s botched Chelsea transfer
TheRadar has compiled below some reactions from Nigerians over Victor Osimhen’s failed transfer
“Why do Nigerians always try to downplay their own stars? What is wrong with us as a people?
From this transfer sàga so far, I have never seen much people attack Osimehn as Nigerians are doing.
It is so worrisome. It's a defect on us as a people,” @Tekanomo_ stated.
“My salary that is already not enough, I should now leave my current company to join another to collect a pay cut because the company has a project?
You people are very funny tbh.
Chelsea fan here but I’m glad Osimehn stood his ground,” @PureMinD__ supported.
“As terrible as Sterling is, he earned more than 200 per week at Chelsea
Offering Victor Osimehn 155 per week is an insult to the kind of player he is right now
Chelsea is a big joke right now,” @Cleverlydey4u stated.
“ON OSIMEHN:
- Napoli is the biggest loser. Their FFP is shit now! Spent a lot but couldn't sell.
- Osimehn lost on the short term. No football till January
- Chelsea lost a chance to sign a good ST or ANY ST at all
- Osimehn's agent lost signing fee
What a lose-lose situation!” @Tekanomo_ explained.
“RE : Osimehn. The logical and the sanest thing to do is not to blame any of the part be it Osimehn or Chelsea.
Chelsea are well within their rights to pay you what they think they can afford.
And Osimehn has the right to hold out for what he thinks he wants,” @abbey_cfc objected.
“Why una dey over react ? Osimehn had a deal with Napoli to stay last season has a show of gratitude and leave this season .. The coach was told that by Napoli that Osimehn would leave because they had a pre contract deal which the coach respected and went for Lukaku,” @jondreytips stated.
Lukaku-Osimhen swap deal still in the works as Crystal Palace eyes Chelsea star
Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League’s big-money spenders Chelsea and Italian side Napoli are edging closer to finalising a verbal agreement regarding the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, potentially paving the way for the Premier League club to make a move for Victor Osimhen.
The swap deal has been in the works for some time, with Osimhen being a long-term target for Chelsea. Lukaku's expected departure, valued at an initial £25 million, would allow the Blues to push forward with their plans to strengthen their squad with a new centre-forward.
