Former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso has expressed regret over not selling star striker Victor Osimhen last summer when a substantial offer from one of Europe's elite clubs was on the table.
The Nigeria international's future at Napoli is uncertain, with the forward heavily linked with a move away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Numerous top clubs are reportedly vying for his signature.
Osimhen's potential suitors, except for Al-Ahli, have been deterred from finalizing the deal due to Napoli's steep release clause of €130 million (£110 million). However, reports indicate that the 25-year-old is currently not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia.
The club's transfer business hinges on this sale, however, making a deal more likely.
Meluso concedes retaining Osimhen was a blunder by Napoli
In a recent admission, Meluso openly acknowledged a significant error in the club’s handling of the striker's situation.
Reflecting on his tenure and the decisions made regarding the Nigerian forward, Meluso expressed regret over not capitalising on a substantial offer from one of Europe's top teams.
“We made some mistakes in Osimhen's management. I arrived in Naples in mid-July and I knew that there had been a very high offer from one of the biggest teams in Europe. In hindsight, we are all good, but perhaps we could have sold him,” Meluso told Sportitalia.
Osimhen's stellar 2022/23 campaign played a pivotal role in securing the club's first Scudetto since 1990. Although his 2023/24 season was less prolific, partly due to a hamstring injury and his involvement in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria, Osimhen still managed to net 17 goals and contribute four assists across 32 appearances.
