Nigeria Players Abroad
Victor Osimhen describes 2020 Napoli transfer as ‘coerced’ amid ongoing investigation
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has described his 2020 transfer from Lille to Napoli as a move he was “coerced” into, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the now-controversial deal, which is currently under investigation.
In newly surfaced statements tied to the inquiry, Osimhen expressed anger at both Lille and his former agent, Jean-Gérard Benoit Czajka, claiming he was pushed into the €80 million move during a time when he was emotionally vulnerable due to his father’s health.
“The agent I had before told me that Napoli had serious interest, but he was only focused on the transfer. My mind was entirely on my father’s health,” Osimhen said.
“They told me I had to move to Napoli, that there was already an agreement in place. I didn’t know anything about it.”
The 2020 transfer, which made Osimhen Napoli’s record signing, is under scrutiny after leaked WhatsApp messages suggested financial irregularities.
Italian outlet La Repubblica reported that the deal involved inflated valuations of goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and three youth players, raising the total cost to €80 million—well above Lille’s initial €50 million valuation.
Authorities allege that these add-ons were used to artificially boost the deal’s value, potentially breaching financial fair play or accounting regulations.
Osimhen, now with Galatasaray following a €35 million move earlier this year, offered a detailed account of how he felt misled and pressured at the time.
“After my father’s death, I was very angry with both Lille and my agent. I wasn’t even given time to process my loss before being told to travel to Naples,” he said.
“I hadn’t seen the contract, and when I asked my agent, he said he didn’t have it. Eventually, he showed me a piece of paper with a pseudo-agreement. I was stunned. I wanted to go back to France and ended the relationship with him.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the transfer, Osimhen went on to become a central figure in Napoli’s modern history.
He played a key role in the club’s 2022/23 Serie A title win, scoring 26 goals to claim the Capocannoniere (top scorer) award and finishing his Napoli career with 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances.
However, the ongoing investigation continues to cast a shadow over the high-profile deal, as authorities probe whether any financial misconduct occurred between the two clubs.
