Osimhen's transfer gets nastier as agent brand Napoli disrespectful
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda demands ‘respect’ for the Nigerian forward who ‘still has so much to do in Europe.’
Osimhen’s agent, Calenda, released a brief statement on social media Monday following reports of a €70m offer from Al-Ahli.
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction. He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions,” Calenda wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is a need for respect and balance.”
Napoli has reportedly received an offer from Al-Ahli but it seems quite obvious from Calenda’s words that his client does not want to move to the Saudi Pro League and is waiting for an offer from a European club.
On Monday, Sky Sport Italia said that Chelsea remain an option for Osimhen, although the Blues haven’t yet sent an official offer.
The same goes for PSG, although the Ligue 1 giants reached a principle of agreement with the striker earlier this summer.
Osimhen hasn’t been involved in any Napoli game by Antonio Conte, including the opening two Serie A matches against Hellas Verona and Bologna.
The Independent previously reported that the transfer saga surrounding Osimhen could run until the last week of the transfer window, with Chelsea keen to sign a striker.
Romelu Lukaku is prepared to join Napoli and reunite with former Inter manager Conte, but Osimhen’s salary demands have so far been a stumbling block on the deal.
It would be a boost to Chelsea’s hopes of signing the striker, however, if Osimhen has rejected a move to Saudi Arabia to remain in Europe.
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea head coach, confirmed last week that they would attempt to sign a central striker before the end of the window. “If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make a difference, then we are going to try,” Maresca said.
Osimhen has scored 48 goals in all competitions in his last two campaigns at Napoli and is widely regarded as one of the leading strikers in world football. In the 2022/23 season, he played a key role in Napoli winning their first Serie A title in 33 years.
