Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has found himself in the spotlight again as his former club Lille revealed they received only €7 million from his transfer to Italian side Napoli during the 2020/21 season.
The former African Footballer of the Year made the move from Lille to Napoli for a reported €70 million.
He played a pivotal role in helping Napoli clinch the Serie A title in his second season and claimed the top scorer award with 26 goals, breaking George Weah’s record for the most goals scored by an African in Serie A.
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What is the latest transfer controversy surrounding Osimhen?
Nearly four years after the transfer, Lille disclosed they received only €7 million from the deal.
Officially quoted at €70 million, the transfer—the second-most expensive for an African player—comprised €50 million in cash and €20 million tied to three players who moved from Napoli to Lille.
Why are Lille still upset about the Osimhen transfer?
Lille’s frustration stems from receiving about 10 percent of the quoted transfer value when they believed they deserved far more. Fingers point at former Lille president Gerard Lopez, who oversaw the deal, with allegations of fraud and financial manipulation.
The transfer has long been mired in controversy.
The €20 million portion of the deal involved goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and three youth players—Luigi Liguori, Claudio Manzi, and Ciro Palmieri. These players were given inflated market valuations, raising suspicions.
None of them ever played for Lille; they were immediately loaned out to Serie C clubs and had their contracts terminated a year later.
Lille also alleged bogus agent commissions and financial improprieties.
Did the transfer controversy affect Osimhen’s performance?
Not at all. Osimhen has remained focused and consistent on the pitch.
He claimed the Serie A top scorer award in the 2022/23 season with 26 goals and led Napoli to their first Scudetto in decades.
Despite Napoli losing the league title last season, Osimhen delivered a solid performance, scoring 17 goals across all competitions.
After a difficult period that led to his loan move to Galatasaray, Osimhen has continued to impress. He has scored seven goals in 10 Super League matches and three goals in four Europa League appearances, reaffirming his reputation as a prolific striker.
![Why does Osimhen's record Lille-to-Napoli transfer continue to generate controversy? [EXPLAINER]](https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/app/uploads/2024/12/Osimhen-Lille-1024x683.jpg)
Will the controversy affect Osimhen's market value?
Unlikely. Osimhen remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.
Although his valuation by Napoli dropped from €120 million in the summer to €81 million, and could further decrease to €75 million by summer 2025, he is still set to be one of the most expensive players of the year.
These figures align with current market realities.
Will the controversy impact his record as Africa’s second-most expensive Player?
No, it will not.
The transfer details are officially recorded with the French and Italian football federations.
Any proven financial misconduct will likely result in penalties for the clubs involved, but Osimhen’s record remains untarnished until another player surpasses it.
Napoil also claim they have been exonerated by Italian authorities, who conducted an investigation into the transfer in 2023.
