African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, has dropped a bombshell on his Napoli future, by hinting at a possible exit from the Italian side at the end of the season.
The Napoli striker, who is currently with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, having secured a Round of 16 qualification with his national team, made this known in an interview with CBS.
Osimhen who signed a new deal with the defending Seria A champions with a €120/130m release clause in July had what appeared to be a temporarily soured relationship with the club early this season after the club’s TikTok account posted videos appearing to mock the Nigeria international.
Reports revealed that the tense atmosphere rose to the point that Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, threatened legal action and any sight of Napoli was removed from his Instagram account.
However, the episode ended with the Nigerian extending his contract at Napoli till June 2026 amid speculations about his future.
Months after the run-in, agent Mamuka Jugeli, who represents club teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, suggested that Osimhen would leave the Serie A side for Saudi Arabia at the end of this season.
The Nigerian then replied angrily on social media saying, “Dear Mamuka Jugeli, you are a piece of filth and a disgrace. I’m embarrassed at your sense of reasoning. Keep my name out of your mouth!!!.”
Reacting to the claim, Osimhen’s agent on January 10 said, “The alleged words of agent Mamuka Jugeli are bad, superficial and unacceptable. These words create problems for my player Victor Osimhen with Napoli fans without any reason or real of the reality.
“We have just signed a contract renewal and Victor’s only wish, in addition to the Africa Cup of Nations, is to help Napoli. Everything else is rubbish.”
However, in a CBS interview uploaded on Tuesday, Osimhen revealed that he has his mind made up on his future and he’s waiting to complete the season with Napoli before acting.
he said, “I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season”. “I already made up my mind. I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, the next step I want to take.”
“I think 60% of the people mention the rumours about me linked with the Premier League. Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world.”
Osimhen who was linked to a move to Manchester United last summer is reported to be a priority signing for Chelsea.
“I want to finish the season with Napoli strong then come up with the decision I’ve already made,” he told CBS.
Osimhen is struggling at the ongoing AFCON having managed to score just one goal in three appearances for Nigeria who finished second to Equatorial Guinea in Group A on goal difference despite beating hosts Ivory Coast.
