Osimhen ignores transfer speculation, joins Napoli preseason camp

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With uncertainty surrounding his future at the club, Victor Osimhen has nevertheless joined a select group of players who have reported for Napoli's pre-season training.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club for the past few months, with a host of clubs vying for his signature.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have all been linked to the Nigerian international, but they are unable to sign him due to Napoli's insistence on receiving the full €130 million release clause for Osimhen.

This has been the stumbling block for Osimhen's departure from Napoli, as none of the clubs, except Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia, are willing to meet Napoli's asking price.

Late last month, Napoli reportedly resolved to lower their valuation of the player.

Napoli pre-season: Victor Osimhen leads early arrivals

Victor Osimhen made an early arrival at Napoli's training centre on Tuesday morning, according to La Repubblica as per Football Italia.

Joining him were new signings Leonardo Spinazzola and Rafa Marin, who underwent medical tests the previous day, while Alessandro Buongiorno is scheduled for examinations on Wednesday.

Despite his commitment to preseason preparations, speculation persists about Osimhen's future at Napoli as the summer transfer window approaches its close.

The striker remains a hot commodity, particularly following his impressive tally of 31 goals and five assists for Napoli during the 2022/23 season—a remarkable campaign that ended with the club clinching their first Scudetto since 1990.

Victor Osimhen @ Icon Sport
Photo by Icon Sport

Although his performance in the 2023/24 season was not as stellar, due in part to a hamstring injury and his participation in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria, Osimhen still managed to score 17 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances.

<!-- Author Start -->Godfred Budu<!-- Author End -->

Godfred Budu

Author

Godfred Budu is a Ghanaian sports journalist with over a decade of experience, offering a dynamic perspective on African football, particularly Nigerian football. A dedicated follower of Enyimba United, he has developed a deep understanding of the Nigerian football scene.