Victor Osimhen has become the focal point of the final day of the transfer window. After a summer of discontent at Napoli, despite signing a new contract last December with an €11 million annual salary and a €130 million release clause, the Nigerian striker finds himself in limbo.
The hefty release clause deterred potential suitors, leaving Napoli with a high-priced asset they struggle to accommodate. Osimhen had long awaited interest from PSG, which never materialized. Now, only Chelsea and Al-Ahli remain as potential destinations, with staying at Napoli likely resulting in exclusion from the squad.
Calciomercato now report that the Al-Ahli deal, which seemed close to completion with a reported €40 million per season offer for Osimhen and €70 million plus €10 million in bonuses for Napoli, has fallen through. The clubs failed to reach an agreement, and Osimhen was never fully convinced about moving to Saudi Arabia. Consequently, Al-Ahli has shifted their focus to Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who has already undergone a medical.
With the Saudi option off the table, Chelsea arenow in a race against time to bring Osimhen to the Premier League. The London club are in intense negotiations with both the player’s entourage and Napoli to reach a financial agreement. However, they face hurdles due to new English financial fair play regulations that make Osimhen’s current wages problematic.
