News

“I will not sell Osimhen”- Napoli President De Laurentiis warns Manchester United, others

Osimhen has been remarkable for Napoli this season, and the club is not willing to let him go

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has warned potential suitors that he is not ready to sell Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

Napoli signed Osimhen from Lille for a club-record €72million in 2020. However, after a first season that saw him score just ten goals in 30 appearances, there were doubts about his ability.

But last season, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker started showing his brilliance under coach Luciano Spalletti.

Since the turn of last year, Osimhen has been incredible, and this season, he has proven that he can be one of the best in the world if he stays fit.

The former Lille man has registered 27 goals and five assists in 33 appearances for the Partenopeans this season, helping them to their first Scudetto since Maradona led the club to victory in 1990.

He has smashed Samuel Eto’o’s record for the highest goal for an African player in a Serie A season, and he is also on the brink of breaking George Weah’s goals record in the Serie A.

Osimhen’s displays have caught the eye of some of the best teams in the world. The Nigerian goal poacher has been heavily linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich.

However, those clubs may have to look elsewhere, as Napoli President De Laurentiis has stated that he will not sell Osimhen.

“I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer — no way,” De Laurentiis told Rai.

“I’ve already activated and triggered the option to extend Luciano Spalletti’s contract for next season.”

De Laurentiis is known to be very stubborn concerning his best players. But Osimhen has never hidden his desire to play in the Premier League.

Despite his stance, Napoli could shift ground in the end if a sumptuous offer. The club could demand up to €150million before they sell their star man.

This post was last modified on May 6, 2023 7:32 am

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

“I truly believe it” -Éric Chelle optimistic about Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, is confident he can lead the three-time… Read More

19 minutes ago

“It was important” – Fulham head coach explains Bassey’s exclusion from FA Cup win over Watford

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed why he opted not to field Super Eagles… Read More

1 hour ago

Super Eagles’ new boss Eric Chelle reveals three Nigerian football heroes he admires

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has expressed his admiration for some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons… Read More

2 hours ago

NFF President reveals Eric Chelle’s first assignment as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has revealed that coach Eric Chelle will only… Read More

3 hours ago

“We will score goals” – Eric Chelle’s first Super Eagles vow is great music to Osimhen, Lookman

Eric Sékou Chelle has promised to reinstate the Super Eagles’ reputation as a high-scoring team,… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Eric Chelle hugs Augustine Eguavoen at the Super Eagles coach unveiling in Abuja

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has met with Augustine Eguavoen at the venue of the unveiling… Read More

5 hours ago