- Victor Osimhen’s agent, Calenda opposes a move to Saudi Arabia, citing unfinished business in Europe
- Napoli reportedly agreed to a €65m deal with Al-Ahli
- The striker’s future remains very uncertain with the transfer window nearing its end
Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s goal-scoring sensation and one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, finds himself at a crossroads this summer.
The Nigerian forward’s remarkable feats, which powered Gli Azzurri to their first Serie A title in over three decades with 26 goals in the 2022/23 season, attracted attention from top clubs across the continent.
At just 25 years old, Osimhen’s stock has never been higher.
His consistency on the pitch saw him extend his contract with Napoli in 2023, with a sizable €130m release clause included. However, his relationship with the club recently soured after he disclosed he wanted to leave by submitting a transfer request leading him to seek a move away this summer.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with the forward, with Napoli officials openly acknowledging efforts to finalize his departure.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Napoli agreed to a €65m agreement with Al-Ahli, a deal that would rank among the Saudi Pro League’s most high-profile acquisitions this transfer window.
Nevertheless, despite the advanced negotiations, Osimhen has not yet consented to the move.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, made it clear that his client is not eager to leave Europe. “Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction, he made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club's decisions.”
“As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth at the Ballon d'Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is need for respect and balance,” Calenda said.
With 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli, Osimhen’s value is unquestionable, and his ambitions suggest that he sees his future firmly tied to European football.
While Napoli has reduced its initial financial demands, agreeing to the €65m deal, Al-Ahli now faces the challenge of aligning with Osimhen’s terms. With the clock ticking, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear, this saga is far from over.
As the days pass, Osimhen’s next move will undoubtedly send ripples through the football world.
Will he join the Saudi Pro League, or will he continue to make his mark in the exalted European football leagues?
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 finalizing 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.
