Borriello backs Osimhen as Juventus target for their next number nine

Retired Italy international Marco Borriello has suggested Victor Osimhen could be a strong option for Juventus as the Turin club continues its search for a top-class striker.

The Galatasaray forward previously spent time at Napoli, where he developed into one of Europe’s leading centre-forwards. His performances helped the club win the Serie A title in the 2022-2023 season, their first league championship in 33 years.

Osimhen scored 76 goals and provided 18 assists in 133 appearances in all competitions for Napoli.

Borriello believes the Nigeria international’s physical attributes and knowledge of Italian football could make him a suitable addition to Juventus’ attack.

“I want a great number nine. Osimhen? Maybe. He’s strong, he knows Serie A and Spalletti. But beyond Osimhen, we need a top-level striker,” Borriello told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Osimhen has made an impressive start to the current campaign, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in nine games.

Reported clause could complicate Serie A move

Reports have claimed that Napoli inserted an anti-Italy clause into the agreement that took Osimhen to Galatasaray.

The reported condition would oblige the Turkish champions to pay Napoli a penalty fee if they sell the striker to a Serie A club before the summer transfer window closes in 2027.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray after his time at Napoli, where he had established himself as a prolific striker and won the league title with the club. His previous experience in Serie A is central to Borriello’s assessment of his potential suitability for Juventus.

Borriello, who won international recognition with Italy, stressed that Juventus should pursue a leading striker, while identifying Osimhen as one possible candidate for the role.