Former Chelsea star reveals Victor Osimhen’s rise to stardom was predicted

The Nigerian international has been the best striker in the Italian league over the past calendar year

Senegal’s captain Kalidou Koulibaly has expressed his belief in Victor Osimhen’s talent, stating that he knew the Nigerian striker was destined for greatness when he joined Napoli three years ago, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Osimhen, who arrived at Napoli in the summer of 2020, quickly established himself as a prominent figure at the club, impressing Koulibaly with his abilities on the field.

During his first season with Napoli, Osimhen scored an impressive ten goals, contributing to the team’s fifth-place finish.

Last year, he continued to shine, finding the back of the net 14 times as Napoli secured a third-place finish. However, it was this past season that saw Osimhen truly flourish.

With a remarkable tally of 26 league goals, he played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching their first Scudetto in 33 years.

Unsurprisingly, Osimhen’s exceptional performances have caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe.

Chelsea, Manchester United, and PSG are reportedly vying to secure his signature, drawn by his remarkable goal-scoring prowess.

Despite this interest, Koulibaly subtly advised Osimhen and his Napoli teammates to remain loyal to the club rather than seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

Having departed Napoli himself to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal last summer, Koulibaly emphasized that he has no additional advice to offer Osimhen.

“Osimhen? You could see that he was a top player,” Koulibaly told Repubblica newspaper via Tutto Napoli.

“I tried to help him and I have no more advice to give him, even if we talk on the phone. He decides for himself whether to stay in the blue shirt: I hope he never has regrets. Victor is African like me and his successes make me even more proud.”

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Napoli has turned down a significant multimillion-euro offer from PSG for Osimhen, further demonstrating the high regard in which the young striker is held.