Former England coach Fabio Capello has bestowed glowing accolades upon Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen, lauding him as an indispensable asset amidst swirling transfer speculations linking him with a departure from the Diego Maradona Stadium.
Speculation has been rife regarding Osimhen's future, with reports suggesting that Chelsea have cast their eyes on securing the signature of the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
However, potential Financial Fair Play sanctions could pose a formidable hurdle for the London club in completing the transfer.
In recent weeks, Manchester United have also emerged as contenders for Osimhen's services. The Nigerian striker, who clinched the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, was reportedly on the Red Devils' radar last summer.
However, negotiations faltered due to exorbitant price demands, leading United to secure the services of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta instead.
Also, French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain have identified Osimhen as a prime candidate to fill the void potentially left by Kylian Mbappe.
As Osimhen's potential departure looms large, Napoli have already initiated their quest for a suitable replacement in Victor Boniface and Joshua Zirkzee.
Capello asking the big question for Napoli should Osimhen leave
In an interview with Il Mattino via Area Napoli, Capello expressed profound admiration for Osimhen's prowess, underscoring the monumental challenge of finding a suitable successor for the dynamic Nigerian striker.
“How do you replace Osimhen next year? Million-dollar question, there are no players around to replace Osimhen. You would have to have a crystal ball to find him,” remarked Capello.
Osimhen's remarkable performances have garnered global recognition, exemplified by his fifth-place finish at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023.
The 25-year-old had trailed in the final results behind football luminaries such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Napoli will sell Osimhen for big money this summer
There is no way that the Naples side will be able to replace the current African Footballer of the Year who scored more than 30 goals last season while also helping to deliver the Scudetto.
Some weeks earlier, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis dropped a bombshell, acknowledging that he may not be able to prevent Osimhen from leaving the club this summer.
De Laurentiis had fueled the possibility of an exit this summer when he confirmed that the 25-year-old striker has a release clause in his contract, signaling a possible exit from Italy.
“Osimhen is a very great player, but you know Napoli is a fantastic place. Certain players fell in love with Napoli and stayed, like [Marek] Hamsik for 11 years. Or like others for eight years.
“He has a release clause. It’s a very big amount of money. Who knows who will leave, We will see.
“The money is the last problem for Napoli. We always made very good acquisitions, as we did in the past. We will do [so] in the future.
“The problem is just sentimental problems. When you see a player leave, it’s like a son. You are also happy if this son has fantastic success everywhere else.”
The release clause of around €130 million is a lot of money, but Osimhen has shown in the last few seasons now that he is an elite Number 9.
A rich club in need of a new striker will pay it, with Paris Saint-Germain thought to be keen on the former Lille man as Kylian Mbappe’s contract runs out.
Chelsea have the wealth as well, but the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules could cause issues for them.
