Osimhen’s situation worsens as Napoli exclude him from squad

Napoli have officially removed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from their Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 season.

According to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, the star forward’s iconic No. 9 jersey has also been handed to new signing Romelu Lukaku.

“Victor Osimhen has been excluded by Napoli’s Serie A squad list… and also number 9 will NO longer be on his shirt.

“Napoli have decided to give number 9 to Romelu Lukaku with immediate effect,” Romano wrote on X.

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This comes on the heels of a disastrous transfer deadline day, during which he was unable to finalise moves to either Chelsea or Al-Ahli.

Osimhen was asking for a wage package worth over £300,000-a-week from Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

The Blues were reportedly ready to continue talks with the striker but their approach went unanswered, leaving them to consider the deal off.

Napoli had also been in negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli for Osimhen‘s transfer, reportedly for an €80 million proposal.

While Osimhen had agreed on personal terms with Al-Ahli worth a massive €30 million per season, Napoli demanded an extra €5 million in bonuses on top of the €80 million offered, causing the deal to fall through.

There remains a faint hope of a last-minute transfer to Saudi Arabia, as the transfer window in that region remains open until September 2.