Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has provided mixed signals regarding the future of striker Victor Osimhen.
While stating that Napoli has a basic agreement on a two-year contract extension, De Laurentiis also mentioned the possibility of considering an irresistible offer. This ambiguity has sparked speculation about Osimhen's potential departure from the club, with several top European clubs expressing interest in the Nigerian forward.
During the presentation press conference for newly appointed coach Rudi Garcia, De Laurentiis was asked about Osimhen's future. The president expressed his desire for the striker to stay at Napoli, emphasizing his importance to the team. However, he also acknowledged that if a substantial offer that benefits Napoli were to arise, the club would have to consider it.
“I have said for a while that Osimhen has to stay. If an offer came in that I could not refuse for the good of Napoli, then we would consider it, as is only natural,” said Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Basic agreement on contract extension
De Laurentiis shed more light on the Osimhen situation later in the press conference. He revealed that discussions had taken place with the player before the Scudetto celebration, resulting in a basic agreement on a two-year contract extension. This indicates that Napoli intends to secure Osimhen's services for the foreseeable future.
“We already talked to Osimhen before the Scudetto celebration, so we already have a basic agreement on a two-year extension of his contract. The other players—that is something we need to study with Rudi because I have for many years been convinced that pre-season training is fundamental.
Pre-season training and player considerations
The Napoli president further discussed the team's plans for the upcoming season. He highlighted the importance of pre-season training and its impact on the squad's cohesion. De Laurentiis mentioned that decisions regarding other players would be made in consultation with Rudi Garcia, as they believe pre-season training is crucial for team building.
He explained, “We refused to play the Gampert Trophy with Barcelona, refused to play Manchester United, because we want to remain together and bring international teams to Castel di Sangro, so we avoid too much traveling.”
Napoli president de Laurentiis: “We’ve an agreement in principle with Victor Osimhen to extend his contract for two more years”. 🔵🇳🇬 #transfers
“In case an exorbitant bid impossible to reject arrives, we will see and make the best decision for the club”. pic.twitter.com/L9ma79n2tb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2023
Osimhen's current contract and transfer speculation
De Laurentiis's open-ended comments have fueled speculation about Osimhen's future at Napoli. With various European powerhouses reportedly eyeing the talented striker, it remains to be seen whether an irresistible offer will materialize and tempt Napoli to consider a transfer.
Victor Osimhen is currently under contract with Napoli until June 2025, having joined the club from LOSC for a substantial fee of €75 million plus bonuses in September 2020. Since his arrival, the Nigerian international has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Victor Osimhen with a spectacular season to lead the goalscoring charts 🇳🇬⚽ pic.twitter.com/Pw6890Wbki
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) June 18, 2023
Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, has provided a somewhat ambiguous stance on Victor Osimhen's future at the club. While expressing his desire for Osimhen to stay and revealing a basic agreement on a contract extension, De Laurentiis also acknowledged the possibility of considering an offer that could significantly benefit Napoli. The Nigerian forward's impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, intensifying the speculation surrounding his potential move. As the transfer window progresses, the footballing world eagerly awaits further developments regarding Osimhen's future destination.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 months ago
