Contrary to reports, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has not finalized any deal to join Liverpool or any other club in the upcoming summer transfer window. This clarification comes from trusted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Osimhen is still considering his options and has not come to terms with Napoli regarding a new contract, despite contrary claims from Italy.
Napoli has purportedly extended a substantial contract offer to the Nigerian striker, which would mark a historic deal for the club. Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has delivered an impressive performance, netting 65 goals in 111 matches, with 31 goals in 39 games last season alone. This season, he has already scored six goals in 10 appearances across various competitions.
Despite a recent injury, interest from top European clubs remains high. Romano stated, “Chelsea is still monitoring Osimhen, but despite reports in Italy suggesting he has agreed to terms with Liverpool, my understanding is that he hasn’t committed to any club. There’s not even an agreement for a new contract with Napoli, despite a substantial offer from his current team.
Osimhen will take his time.” While Liverpool and other clubs are keeping a close watch on elite strikers across Europe, no agreements have been reached with Osimhen. His situation will develop in due course, making it a key story to follow in 2024. Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, initially aimed for Osimhen to extend his contract with the club beyond 2025.
However, recent events, including a dispute over social media platform TikTok, have introduced uncertainties about the striker’s future. De Laurentiis held several discussions with Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, after the close of the summer transfer window, and there were indications that an extension was imminent. Nevertheless, doubts have since emerged regarding Osimhen’s next move.
De Laurentiis acknowledged, “I have never harbored ill feelings towards Osimhen, but these situations always involve two parties. If his stance on a new deal has changed, there’s little I can do about it. If things shift after a handshake, it’s disappointing, but we acknowledge it and life moves on. We maintain an excellent rapport with him, but his contract runs until 2025, so there’s time. Let’s not forget that I sold Koulibaly (to Chelsea) a year before his contract expired.”
