Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has issued a confidential warning to striker Victor Osimhen, amid speculation over his future at the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen gained widespread recognition last season when he scored 26 league goals and helped Napoli win their first Scudetto title in 33 years.
Osimhen was widely reported to be moving from Napoli during the summer transfer window, including interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, but offers from PSG and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal failed as well. However, the contract never materialized.
As a result, Osimhen remained at Napoli for the 2023/24 season.
Napoli and the Nigerian striker are reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension, which could secure him beyond 2025, when his current contract expires.
However, this deal could be in jeopardy as relations between player and club have reached an all-time low in recent days.
The trouble began when Napoli posted a video on social media mocking Osimhen’s missed penalty in Bologna.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has slammed Napoli’s handling of the incident, calling it “stupid and shocking”.
Although Osimhen has decided not to take legal action against Napoli, the controversy has fueled speculation that the Super Eagles striker is considering an imminent exit from the club. ing.
However, Napoli’s owner De Laurentiis seems unperturbed by the situation and insists he has no concerns about extending Osimhen’s contract.
De Laurentiis hinted that players are happy at Napoli and often lose that joy when they leave the club.
According to Tutto Napoli, when asked about the prospect of renewing Osimhen’s contract, manager De Laurentiis replied: The problem is, if they leave here, they won’t be able to find the main roads. ”
De Laurentiis, however, did not hesitate to praise Osimhen’s outstanding match-winning ability, stressing that he is a player who can single-handedly influence the team’s performance.
The Italian businessman said, “He’s always been strong. He’s a player who builds the team with his own strength. There’s no debate about that.”
Osimhen has never hidden his desire to one day play in the English Premier League.
