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Samuel - November 30, 2024
Victor Osimhen’s contract dispute with Napoli was one of the most heated topics of the Summer Transfer Window with the Nigerian international reportedly forcing his way out of the club.
Osimhen received multiple offers from elite clubs, which was not an easy deal considering his contract issue with the Italian side.
Chelsea and Ah-Ahli were the front runners for the Nigerian star’s signing, but an agreement was not struck on deadline day, as Turkish giants Galatasaray made an unexpected bid to sign him on a one-year loan deal.
However, despite his loan deal with Galatasaray, there are still contract issues between Napoli and Osimhen over his future at the club.
Meanwhile, Napoli froze Osimhen out of the squad following the arrival of new manager Antonio Conte, who made it known that the Nigerian was not part of his plans and instead called for the signing of Romelu Lukaku as his preferred striker.
This decision appears to be going well for the Italian manager, as Lukaku continues to perform on the big stage and as a vital player of the team’s attack.
Therefore, we are going to examine the ongoing contract dispute between Napoli and Osimhen as well as Lukaku’s performance so far with the club.
Victor Osimhen’s contract issue with Napoli has been ongoing for years, making his departure problematic.
Following Osimhen’s loan move to Galatasaray, the club revealed that they had reached an agreement with the Nigerian international for a possible renewal of his contract until June 2027.
The club’s latest stance on Osimhen’s departure is an outright sale of the Nigerian forward to any club interested in signing him.
Several teams are apparently looking for a swap deal for Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window, but the Italian club is only willingly to sell him if his release clause is triggered.
Osimhen seems to be enjoying his time in Galatasaray, and he is expected to return to Napoli next summer for a potential transfer, despite speculations that his loan spell will end in January.
Osimhen has continued to showcase his exceptional talent in Turkey since joining Galatasaray on a one-year loan.
The Nigerian forward has six goals and two assists in seven League matches, as well as three goals and one assist in four Europa League appearance.
He appears to have adapted well to Okan Buruk’s tactics and has played an important role in attack both before and after Mauro Icardi’s injury.
With this incredible performance across all competition, the club would want to sign him on a permanent deal, but the payment of his huge release clause may be a major issue for the Turkish giants.
Given his release clause, few prominent teams can afford to activate it and there is conjecture that Chelsea will re-enter the race in January or the summer window following their failure to finalize his signing on the last transfer deadline day.
Osimhen is a talented and experienced striker who is much sought by top teams, and if he can maintain his exceptional form, clubs will compete for his signature.
Following Antonio Conte’s appointment at Napoli, the Italian coach advocated for the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea as his preferred talisman after the club released Victor Osimhen.
Conte previously coached Lukaku in the 2020/21 season at Inter Milan, where he was a pivotal player in the Scudetto winning squad, scoring twenty-four League goals and contributed nine assists.
After their successful partnership at Inter Milan, it’s no surprise that the Italian manager wants a reunion in Naples.
Romelu Lukaku has started the season in decent form, with five goals and four assist in his inaugural eleven League matches.
His presence in attack has terrorized Serie A clubs, with his physicality and shot power being two of his main strengths.
Furthermore, his connection with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano has been terrific, causing mayhem on the opponent’s defense.
Both players have started the season effectively and has adapted to their respective manager’s style of play, showcasing their prowess and experience.
Romelu Lukaku has scored five league goals in eleven games, Victor Osimhen has six in seven matches.
According to SofaScore, Osimhen has a goal ratio of 0.9 per game while Lukaku has a ratio of 0.5.
Osimhen has scored more goals than Lukaku despite playing four fewer games, giving him a superior start to the season.
Victor Osimhen’s contract controversy with Napoli has been ongoing for years, but it feels to be coming to an end in 2025 summer transfer window, as numerous teams are anticipated to bid for the Nigerian forward if he maintains his sensational form.
On the flip side, Romelu Lukaku has been an essential player in Antonio Conte’s offense in Napoli, and he will be crucial if the Scudetto is to be reclaimed to Naples.
