Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis has issued a veiled warning to striker Victor Osimhen amid speculations about his future with the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen gained immense recognition last season after scoring 26 league goals, contributing to Napoli’s first Scudetto title in 33 years.
Although Osimhen was heavily linked with a move away from Napoli during the summer transfer window, including interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, no deal materialised despite failed bids from PSG and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Consequently, Osimhen remained in Naples for the 2023/24 season.
Reports had indicated that Napoli and the Nigerian forward were on the verge of finalising a contract extension, potentially securing his services beyond his current contract’s expiration in 2025.
However, that deal may be facing jeopardy as the relationship between the player and the club hit an all-time low in recent days.
Trouble started when Napoli posted a video on social media that appeared to mock Osimhen’s missed penalty at Bologna.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry condemned Napoli’s handling of the incident as ‘stupid and shocking’.
While Osimhen has decided not to proceed with taking legal actions against Napoli, the controversy has fueled speculation that the Super Eagles forward may be considering a swift exit from the club.
Nevertheless, Napoli owner De Laurentiis seems unfazed by the situation, asserting that there are no concerns regarding Osimhen’s contract extension.
De Laurentiis hinted that players find happiness at Napoli, insinuating that they often lose that joy once they depart the club.
As per Tutto Napoli, when asked about Osimhen’s contract renewal prospects, De Laurentiis stated, “There is no problem, there is never a problem: everyone in Napoli is always happy; the problem is when they leave, they can no longer find the main road.”
De Laurentiis did not, however, shy away from praising Osimhen’s exceptional match-winning abilities, emphasising that he is a player who can single-handedly shape a team’s performance.
The Italian businessman said, “Always strong, he’s a player who makes a team on his own. That’s not up for debate.”
Osimhen has never hidden his desire to one day play in the English Premier League.
This post was last modified on October 4, 2023 1:14 am
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Victor should be careful not to be lured into signing contract extension with the Naples, else, theyess him up.
It is stereotype, why Napoli look like a devil club now, are they the only club to have wronged a player. You all are over blowing the issue. Victor shouldn't have had an altercation with Garcia. And I heard Napoli have apologized privately so LET THIS MATTER DIE PEACEFULLY. de Laurentis statement is club's interest driven not racist
You have a point. But the apology should be public since the object of issue was made publicly.
What does the Italian napolian Capo means by after living the team, players don't find happiness?
I feel Victor Osimhen should see the hand writing on the wall. He should not enslave himself by signing any extension with Napoli. They (Napoli Management) have shown their evil hands and he needs to move on. Play out the rest of the terms of the contract and move on. Signing an extension with Napoli will help them destroy his career.....
Napoli is a club that you will never put your all mind with, you better leave the club next season
We are contract abiding citizens as long as we are happy plying our trades in matters of such nature our level of technicality comes into play A Victor doesn't just give in to your distraction
Come on Vicky more love for the boys
This is very unfair, after all the effort from Oshimen last season, scoring 26 goals that led Napoli to the league tittle after 33 years, and yet he is still doing great this season scoring 5 goals in this new season, now his is being mocked just because he missed a penalty kick, and the most annoying part is that the owner of Napoli De laurentiis didn't address such issue properly, all he could say is after leaving the team players doesn't find happiness, this is pure racism, and I leave the judgement for the spirit, let's see where Napoli ends after Oshimen leaves
Victor should leave as early as possible if your own club mocks you publicly then you must understand that you are not actually part of them. So go to where you will be appreciated.
Guy you your way na your know oooo
Victor earlier the better
They just want to use him like a goal scoring machine and devalue him so that they can keep him to themselves.
very selfish people.
I used to love Napoli FC but now I think they suck
Victor, you are my brother, I must advice that you leave Italy as soon as possible to avoid being messed up by the club.