Victor Osimhen left out of Napoli’s Serie A squad amid transfer saga.
Napoli’s Scudetto-winning striker Victor Osimhen has been excluded from the club’s 23-man Serie A squad for the season, following a tumultuous transfer window.
Despite signing a contract extension in December, Osimhen’s future at the club has been uncertain, with a reported release clause of €130 million.
Osimhen’s expected move to Chelsea or Al Ahli failed to materialize, with wage demands reportedly a sticking point.
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Napoli rejected an offer from Al Ahli, who instead signed Ivan Toney.
Lukaku scored on his debut for Napoli in a 2-1 win over Parma, but manager Conte expressed disappointment at Osimhen’s unresolved transfer situation.
With Osimhen still at the club but not part of their plans, Conte’s comments suggest a resolution is needed to move forward.
Conte said:
“We did not just bring in players to build on an existing team, but to fill certain empty slots, and I am happy with the work done by the club.”
“If we had been able to sell Osimhen, it would’ve been an even better situation, but what happened cannot be changed and we move on.”
However, he blasted the timing of the transfer window closing after the season has already begun.
“We take these three points knowing full well that we have to work after this absurdity of the transfer market,” Conte said.
“Coaches have to train players who are going to leave and wait for players we’ve never worked with and don’t know in what condition they’ll be when they arrive.
“I hope that things can change in future, seeing as everyone is ready to change formats and rules.”
Osimhen scores 26 goals played a crucial role in Napoli’s Scudetto win two seasons ago, but his relationship with the club has soured.
