The Nigerian international was a relatively unknown quantity in the major European circuits before he joined LOSC Lille in 2019
Arsenal midfielder Jorge Luiz Frello Filho ‘Jorginho’ has revealed that he was one of the brains behind Napoli’s signing of Victor Osimhen in the summer of 2020.
Lille snapped Osimhen from Royal Sporting Charleroi and unleashed the young forward on the French Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea were one of the teams who felt the raw power and sheer talent of the Nigerian youngster, with Osimhen scoring one goal in two matches against the Blues.
Aside from his goal, a brilliantly taken header, Osimhen was a terror for Chelsea’s hard-nosed defenders so much that the Super Eagles striker left an unforgettable mark on the mind of Jorginho, who featured in both group games for Chelsea.
And later that summer, when Napoli’s sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli contacted Jorginho, who spent four-and-a-half years in Naples, about his impression of Osimhen, the Italian midfielder had only positive things to say.
What has been said?
Revealing how he recommended Osimhen to Napoli, the former Chelsea ace told DAZN (via Tutto Napoli): “I played against Osimhen. Giuntoli called me first before signing him and asked me about him.
“I replied: ‘Get him now!’, Because he had turned our defenders’ heads, he is a young man who promises a lot.”
Osimhen has turned out to be an excellent buy for Napoli, with the striker now often regarded as one of the best in the business on the planet.
With Atletico Madrid joining Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea in the race for Osimhen, the Nigerian forward could leave Napoli for twice the transfer fee the club paid to acquire his services three years ago.
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has, however, stated that he has no intention of selling the former Golden Eaglets hero this summer.
