Napoli has included Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in their squad for the upcoming pre-season camp, despite reports suggesting he may be leaving the club.
Osimhen is expected to rejoin his teammates for the start of preparation on July 14. The 26-year-old has been on holiday in Nigeria after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 games, helping the Turkish giants secure a domestic double.
Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, with several clubs vying for his signature. Al Hilal, a Saudi Pro League side, has reportedly offered him a lucrative deal worth €40 million per year, but the striker has already rejected the proposal.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is known to be a tough negotiator, and the club is hoping to finalize the sale before July 15, when Osimhen’s release clause expires.
The pre-season schedule for Napoli includes medical tests between July 14 and 15, followed by training sessions in Dimaro, Trentino Alto Adige, from July 17 to 27.
The team will then take a two-day break before continuing their preparation in Castel Di Sangro (Abruzzo) between July 30 and August 14. Osimhen will likely undergo medical tests with his teammates, but it’s unclear whether he’ll train with the team or separately.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli expires in June 2026, but the club has an option to extend it to 2027. The striker has a €75 million release clause, which is not valid for Serie A clubs, meaning interested Italian clubs like Juventus would need to pay higher than that amount.
Manchester United seems to be leading the race for Osimhen’s signature, with Chelsea having previously held talks with the player. Other clubs, including Liverpool, have also expressed interest in signing the striker.
Potential Destinations for Osimhen
- Manchester United: The Red Devils are reportedly keen on signing Osimhen, with the striker being their top target for the summer transfer window. They are prepared to negotiate with Napoli to secure his services.
- Al Hilal: The Saudi Pro League side has offered Osimhen a lucrative deal worth €40 million per year, but the striker has already rejected the proposal. They may still try to persuade him to join their team before the July 15 deadline.
- Liverpool: The Premier League club has been linked with Osimhen, and they might consider signing him as a more affordable alternative to Hugo Ekitike, who has a €100 million price tag.
As the transfer saga continues, Osimhen’s decision will likely depend on various factors, including the clubs’ willingness to meet his demands and their potential to secure Champions League football.