Osimhen dropped from Napoli’s Serie A squad after Chelsea, Al Ahli transfer fiasco
Napoli have taken punitive action against Victor Osimhen for his part in the failure to secure a move away on Friday night.
The Super Eagles striker has been taken out of Napoli’s Serie A squad for the season after the deadline day drama.
Osimhen appeared destined to leave Napoli in the summer transfer window, but despite attempts by both Chelsea and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli on deadline day last night, no deal was completed.
According to reports, Napoli were nudging the Nigeria International towards Chelsea but he rejected the English club’s offer of a huge pay cut, while Al Ahli were frustrated by the Serie A club after offering staggering €40 million-a-year wages to the striker.
Osimhen has now been officially removed from Napoli’s squad for the season, meaning he cannot play for them in Serie A at least.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has an alternative to the Nigerian having acquired Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea before the deadline day drama.
There were reports earlier in the day that Lukaku would be taking Osimhen’s No.9 jersey, but it was later claimed that the Belgian would wear No.11.
Osimhen remains contracted to Napoli until the summer of 2026, and is on a contract that costs around €10m per season in wages.
Napoli will be in league action tonight, hosting Parma at the Stadio Maradona.
New striker Lukaku is expected to start up front, while Billy Gilmour, who arrived from Brighton on deadline day, could also be named on the bench.
Scott McTominay will not be there, but could make his debut against Cagliari after the international break.
