Napoli manager Antonio Conte confirmed that Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is no longer in the club’s plans and will not return to the first squad.
Osimhen was anticipated to leave Partenopei during the transfer window after requesting to do so.
Following several seasons with Napoli, the Lagos native emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, with offers from Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others.
Despite his desire to leave the club, the Nigerian striker’s anticipated move to Stamford Bridge fell through, leaving him in a limbo as the transfer window closed on Friday.
While Chelsea were the most likely destination for Osimhen, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli also emerged as a potential destination. They even reportedly agreed on terms with Napoli for the transfer, but the deal fell apart when the Italian side asked for a further €5m in addition to the agreed €80m transfer fee.
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Conte remains adamant that neither Osimhen nor other players would be reintegrated in the team despite their inability to strengthen the squad as envisaged.
“Some issues blocked it; perhaps if we had unlocked that [Osimhen] situation, we would have completed the team differently and earlier,” Conte said at a post-match press conference on Saturday.
