The controversy surrounding the place of Nigerian international, Victor Osimhen in his club, Napoli for the 2024/2025 season seem to have been settled with Napoli restoring Osimhen’s number 9 shirt.
Recall that on Saturday, Osimhen’s jersey number 9 was handed to the new signing, Rumelu Lukaku. This was coming on the heels of the club officially removing the Nigerian striker from their Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 season.
However, the Club revealed later that the initial decision had been reversed. And Lukaku handed jersey number 11 instead of the figure published earlier.
The Club stated that it has withdrawn Victor Osimhen’s iconic jersey number 9 from new signing Romelu Lukaku.
According to source from the Club, the turnaround means Osimhen will retain his number 9 jersey. He will, however, remained unregistered for the 2024/25 Serie A season.
The removal of the striker’s name came on the heels of a disastrous transfer deadline day. Osimhen was billed to finalize his moves to either Chelsea or Al-Ahli.
Osimhen was asking for a wage package worth over £300,000-a-week from Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.
According to reports, Chelsea were reportedly ready to continue talks with the striker but their approach went unanswered, leaving them to consider the deal off.
“Napoli had also been in negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli for Osimhen‘s transfer. The deal is reportedly for an €80 million proposal.
“While Osimhen had agreed on personal terms with Al-Ahli worth a massive €30 million per season, Napoli demanded an extra €5 million in bonuses. The demand, therefore, forestalled the €80 million offered from been finalized.
However, all hopes are not lost for Osimhen’s move to Al-Ahli, as the transfer window in that region remains open until September 2.
Despite that, Osimhen is still contracted to Napoli until the summer of 2026. He is already on a deal worth €10m per year in wages with the club.
source: Daily Trust
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