Osimhen relegated to Napoli U23 side

Victor Osimhen has reportedly informed Napoli’s management that he no longer wishes to play for the first team after a failed attempt to leave the club on the final day of the transfer window.

The Nigerian international, who was linked with clubs like PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, was unable to secure a transfer due to Napoli’s firm stance.

Chelsea’s last-minute efforts to sign Osimhen and Al-Ahli’s unsuccessful negotiations left the striker stuck at Napoli.

Despite the ongoing Saudi Arabian transfer window, which closes on Monday, Osimhen’s future at Napoli seems bleak, as he has been left out of the squad list for the season.

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Osimhen has been relegated to training with the U23 side after expressing his intent to no longer play for the Serie A club.

In response, Napoli stripped him of the number 9 jersey, which was handed to Romelu Lukaku, who recently joined the club from Chelsea.

However, A few hours later, the club revealed that the initial decision had been reversed, with Lukaku handing jersey number 11 instead of the earlier published figure.

The turnaround means Osimhen will retain his number 9 jersey, but the Super Eagles striker remained unregistered for the 2024/25 Serie A season.

Osimhen had worn the jersey since joining Napoli in 2020, taking over from Fernando Llorente.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has weighed in on the criticism surrounding Osimhen amidst his ongoing dispute with Napoli.

In an X post on Sunday, Ighalo lamented that Osimhen was being unjustly criticised over his failed transfer.

“No human being is perfect and we have all made mistakes in life, but seeing comments about this young man from his own country people makes me really sad, without even knowing what happened.

“I spoke to him and I can feel the pain in his voice, the way he’s been treated.

“This young man plays with heart and pains for his country. Hmmm it’s well, he will definitely be back stronger. We learn everyday in life,” Ighalo stated.

Also, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has also urged him to focus on his end goal.

“I know you to be a fighter. We all came from having almost nothing to becoming who we are today. Eyes on the prize, focus on your end goal. I believe in you, champ,” he wrote on X.