Victor Osimhen returns to Napoli after winning both the Turkish league and cup with Galatasaray. Yet, Napoli excluded him from their first-team pre-season training.
He will now train apart from the main squad, working with youth players instead. This is not the first time Napoli has sidelined him. The club did the same last year.
Antonio Conte, the new manager, excluded him completely from tactical sessions. He won’t feature in any preparation for the season.
Instead, his assignment is to remain physically fit with no first-team involvement. So, what’s the root cause? The answer lies in his uncertain future.
Napoli intends to sell him. So far, only Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia has met the release clause of €75 million. However, Osimhen rejected their offer.
Meanwhile, clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Arsenal have shown interest but remain unwilling to pay Napoli’s reported €120–130 million valuation or meet his high wage demands.
Why this standoff matters
Some believe Osimhen’s contract ends in 2025, but this is false. His current deal runs through June 2026. That means he still has one year left and can leave as a free agent next summer.
Another report says he already arranged a free transfer in 2026. While this might appear smart, it is risky. Napoli will try to avoid losing a €100m asset for nothing.
ALSO READ:
- Victor Osimhen’s Transfer Controversy: Key moments, clubs, and what went wrong
- Napoli denies sanctioning doll portraying Victor Osimhen features
- 2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles soar following entertaining win over Benin Republic
- Victor Osimhen impresses on Galatasaray debut, grabs assist
If he refuses all offers this summer, they could push for a lower sale next year. Still, staying out of top-level football for one year is dangerous for his form, growth, and career momentum.
Also, training without competitive games, especially under a manager like Conte, affects quality and football IQ.
Though fitness might remain, match performance often suffers. His talent is intact, but time outside high-level football hurts development. Here are the fans reaction on this:
Despite the tension, Napoli must continue paying him. As long as he reports for training—even with the youth squad—they are legally obliged to pay his estimated €10 million net salary. However, this creates a financial strain for a club unwilling to use him.
The most probable outcome? A sale by next summer. If Napoli fails to offload him now, they will likely accept a reduced offer in 2026.
Alternatively, a deal might happen this summer if Napoli drops their asking price or if a top team becomes desperate before the window closes. That’s less likely but not impossible.
The worst outcome is a deadlock. He remains with the youth squad, gets paid, but plays no real football. Napoli loses money, and Osimhen loses critical years in his prime.
A free transfer in 2026 is still possible. Yet, it’s an extreme risk—one full season without competitive action would put off most elite clubs.
In conclusion, Osimhen is in a delicate position. He has money, talent, and time, but little room to waste. Napoli, desperate to sell, is applying pressure. The next few months will define his next big move.
