Victor Osimhen is not in my plans, Conte insists

Napoli’s head coach, Antonio Conte has confirmed that Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is not in the club’s future plans and will not be reintroduced to the first team despite his failure to depart the club in the just-concluded transfer window.

Osimhen had anticipated departing from the Partenopei during the transfer window after expressing his desire to leave. The Lagos-born forward has become one of Europe’s most coveted strikers, attracting interest from clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, following his remarkable performances with Napoli.

Despite his intentions to exit the club, Osimhen’s expected transfer to Stamford Bridge did not materialize, leaving him in a state of uncertainty as the transfer window closed on Friday. While Chelsea appeared to be the frontrunner for Osimhen’s signature, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli also surfaced as a potential suitor.

Reports indicated that they had reached an agreement with Napoli regarding the transfer; however, the deal collapsed when the Italian club requested an additional €5 million on top of the previously agreed €80 million transfer fee.
As the 2024/25 season progresses, Conte remains firm in his stance that neither Osimhen nor any other players will be reintegrated into the squad, despite the club’s challenges in strengthening the team as planned. “Certain issues hindered progress; perhaps if we had resolved the [Osimhen] situation, we could have completed the team in a different and more timely manner,” Conte stated during a post-match press conference on Saturday.

“I express my regret regarding the recent events. I feel for Osimhen, for the club that missed out on potential revenue, and for myself, as we were unable to finalize the team as we had envisioned. Nevertheless, the club has demonstrated remarkable consistency in this situation, as Conte remarked.

“Consistency is fundamental when it comes to adhering to regulations. The club has shown steadfastness, and I commend them for this approach,” he continued. Conte emphasized that the club maintained a consistent stance regarding Osimhen and other players not included in the squad. “This is the team. This is the group,” he stated. “We made our choices. I previously mentioned consistency. Those who lack it do not honor the rules. I reiterate my respect for the club.

“The president has shown consistency, even in the face of significant financial losses—credit is due where it belongs. The club remained steadfast, understanding that an earlier resolution of the situation would have benefited us all. As I mentioned, we have begun the process of rebuilding. Talented players have joined us. They were available, and while it took time for us to evaluate and make decisions, we have successfully signed them, which brings me satisfaction. We may not have accomplished everything we aimed for, but I believe the club has performed admirably.”

With no imminent transfers anticipated and Napoli’s firm position regarding Osimhen’s exclusion from the squad, the Super Eagles striker finds himself in a precarious situation. The 25-year-old forward, once regarded as one of the most coveted talents in European football, now faces an uncertain future until at least January, when the transfer window reopens.

However, the Saudi Arabian transfer window remains open until September 2 (today), and the Turkish Super Lig window is open until September 13, providing the Nigerian player with a potential opportunity to avoid remaining in Napoli until January.