Nigeria Players Abroad
“It will be hard to keep him” — Antonio Conte prepares for life without Osimhen
By Monsurah Olatunji
Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli is uncertain as new manager Antonio Conte reveals that the Nigerian striker may not be needed.
Conte, appointed as Napoli boss on June 5, signed a three-year contract set to begin on July 1.
While Conte acknowledged Osimhen’s talent and expressed a desire to work with him, he confirmed that there are no guarantees the star will be in Naples when the new season starts in August.
Despite Osimhen signing a contract extension in December, he has been the subject of transfer interest for over a year, with clubs hesitant to meet his €120 million release clause.
“I’m aware of his situation; I know there’s an agreement with the club, so it’s a different case compared to others,” Conte said, according to Fabrizio Romano. “There’s a pact between Victor and Napoli on his future, and I accepted that.”
Speaking at his unveiling, Conte admitted that keeping a “top player” like Osimhen might be beyond his control. “As far as Osimhen is concerned, just as I knew very well about the situation of Kvara, Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, Lobotka, on whom I had an absolute veto, I know very well about the Osimhen situation.
“I know that there are agreements with the club, it’s a totally different situation, which I’ll witness. Then if you ask me about the player, he’s a top player, but I can’t get into any discussions about Osimhen because these are previous agreements.”
Osimhen’s future remains in the balance as Napoli navigates potential transfers and squad decisions under Conte’s new management.
