Newcastle-linked Super Eagles star to snub Real Madrid, Manchester United in the summer
Newcastle-linked Super Eagles star to snub Real Madrid, Manchester United in the summer
The wealthy English clubs and the Spanish giants may need to look elsewhere in their search for a top-quality centre-forward
Victor Osimhen will remain at Napoli beyond the summer, with the Nigerian forward not considering moving away from the Diego Maradona just yet, says Area Napoli (as per Mario Giunta).
Osimhen’s potential is often rated at par with that of PSG ace Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, with all three outstanding strikers expected to make big-money moves in the summer.
Some of the biggest clubs on the continent are interested in Osimhen, with new money bags Newcastle reportedly leading the race.
Real Madrid also target the Nigerian as an alternative signing should they fail in their plan to land Frenchman Mbappe.
Manchester United could be the club most in need of Osimhen, though, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Edison Cavani winding down the clock on their illustrious careers.
But Sky Italy journalist Mario Giunta is convinced that the Super Eagles striker will not depart Napoli this summer as club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis and manager Luciano Spalletti are ‘crazy’ about the 23-year-old.
The report also stated that Osimhen would not be pushing for a transfer as he is happy in Naples.
Giunta said: “There are many clubs on the Nigerian, but I feel like giving some news: Osimhen will stay in Naples again next season.
“Aurelio De Laurentiis and Luciano Spalletti are crazy about him and have no intention of getting rid of him.
“In addition, the former Lille man earns important figures in Campania. He is fine and doesn’t press to go away.”
Despite suffering a facial injury that kept him out of action for over two months, Osimhen has contributed to 17 goals (13 goals and four assists) in 24 games this term. The Nigerian international only managed ten goals in 30 appearances in all competitions in his debut season.
The former Lille forward only became a Napoli player in 2020 after signing a £74million deal which made him the most expensive African footballer in history.