Osihmen won’t join Saudi Pro League this summer – Napoli
Napoli’s Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, has confirmed that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will not be making a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about the Nigerian forward’s future, which has been a hot topic in football circles.
The update was revealed by renowned football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, in a post shared on his X account.
Romano provided insights into the situation, quoting Manna’s remarks on the matter.
“Osimhen decided not to play for our club anymore last year, we tried to help. So there was a negotiation but the deal didn’t happen,” Manna explained.
He further added, “The plan on both sides remains to part ways. But I do NOT think he will go to Saudi this summer.”
Osimhen, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s successful Serie A campaign, has been linked with several top European clubs, but it appears that a switch to the Middle East is not on the cards for now.
The much-anticipated transfer of 25-year-old Osihmen to Chelsea fell through just hours before the summer transfer window closed.
Despite intense negotiations, the Nigerian forward and the Premier League club couldn’t finalize a deal, leaving the future of the highly sought-after striker in limbo.
The breakdown of the deal came with only two hours left in the window, crushing hopes that Osimhen would be seen in Chelsea’s iconic blue jersey this season.
To compound matters, a potential move to Saudi Arabia also disintegrated, as Al Ahli, one of the main clubs vying for his signature, chose to secure Brentford’s Ivan Toney on deadline day instead.
This series of setbacks has reportedly put Osimhen in a difficult position with his current club, Napoli, with tensions said to be rising between the player and the club’s management.
Reports suggested that if no new offers emerge before the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window shuts, Osimhen could face the prospect of being sidelined from Napoli’s first-team squad, a scenario that would significantly impact his career trajectory.
