Victor Osimhen’s highly anticipated move from Napoli to Chelsea has unfortunately fallen through, leaving the future of the 26-year-old Nigerian striker uncertain. Osimhen had been at the center of transfer speculation throughout the summer, with strong interest from both Chelsea and Al Ahli.
Despite the considerable buzz around his potential transfer to Chelsea, the deal failed to materialize due to unresolved negotiations between the player and the Premier League club.
Osimhen, who has been a standout performer for Napoli, was expected to make a significant impact at Chelsea. However, complications arose during the negotiation process, preventing the transfer from going through. This situation has left Osimhen in a difficult position, especially given his current predicament at Napoli.
At Napoli, Osimhen has been sidelined by manager Antonio Conte. Conte, who is known for his tactical acumen and strict management style, has made it clear that he is not currently relying on Osimhen for the upcoming season.
Instead, Conte has brought in Romelu Lukaku, a proven striker, to spearhead the team’s attack. Lukaku’s arrival further complicates Osimhen’s situation, as it reduces his chances of regular playing time and increases the likelihood of his departure.
With the transfer window closing in Saudi Arabia on Monday, September 2, there is a looming deadline for Osimhen to secure a move. Al Ahli, a prominent club in the Saudi Pro League, has shown a strong interest in acquiring Osimhen. They are prepared to offer Napoli a substantial transfer fee, ranging between €75 million and €80 million, which reflects the striker’s high value and potential.
In addition to the significant transfer fee, Al Ahli has proposed a lucrative contract for Osimhen. The offer includes a four-year deal, with an annual salary of approximately £33.6 million (€40 million). This would translate to around £646,154 per week, all tax-free. Such an offer not only highlights Al Ahli’s desire to bring Osimhen on board but also underscores the financial incentives that are often associated with transfers to the Saudi Pro League.
The failure of the Chelsea move and the approaching deadline for the Saudi Arabian transfer window means that Osimhen’s future remains in flux. If he does not secure a move before the deadline, he will likely continue at Napoli, where his role in the team remains uncertain.
This ongoing situation has sparked considerable interest among football fans and pundits, who are keenly watching to see how it unfolds. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Osimhen will make a move to Al Ahli or remain in Italy for the time being.