Napoli has officially excluded Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from its 23-man Serie A squad for the 2024–25 season. This decision follows the collapse of transfer negotiations with Chelsea and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, leaving Osimhen sidelined despite a contract extension until 2026 and a €130 million release clause.
Coach Antonio Conte confirmed that Osimhen will not feature in any first-team activities, stating that the club's stance remains consistent and that the player will not be reintegrated into the squad. With no immediate prospects in Serie A, Osimhen has been loaned to Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray until June 2025.
During his loan spell, he scored 26 goals, helping the club secure the league title and the Turkish Cup. His standout performance included a bicycle kick that was voted the Süper Lig Goal of the Season. As of July 2025, Osimhen is reportedly in discussions with Manchester United regarding a potential transfer, with the deal expected to be finalized in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Editorial
Napoli's exclusion of Victor Osimhen from the Serie A squad underscores the complexities of modern football transfers, where financial negotiations often overshadow player welfare. Despite his significant contributions to the club, including a pivotal role in their 2022–23 Serie A title win, Osimhen finds himself marginalized due to failed transfer negotiations.
This situation highlights the need for clubs to balance financial objectives with the well-being and career progression of their players. For Osimhen, the move to Galatasaray provided an opportunity to showcase his talents on a different stage, leading to individual accolades and team success.
His reported interest from Manchester United indicates that his performances have not gone unnoticed, and a return to one of Europe's top leagues could be on the horizon. This episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the resilience required by players to navigate such challenges.
Did You Know?
- Osimhen's exclusion from Napoli's Serie A squad was due to failed transfer negotiations with Chelsea and Al-Ahli.
- During his loan to Galatasaray, Osimhen scored 26 goals, leading the team to the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
- His bicycle kick goal was voted the Süper Lig Goal of the Season.
- Osimhen's contract with Napoli was extended until 2026, with a €130 million release clause.
- As of July 2025, Osimhen is reportedly in talks with Manchester United regarding a potential transfer.
