Victor Osimhen, the current African Footballer of the Year, has stalled. Few could have predicted this. The summer transfer window was to be a chance for the Nigerian striker. But, it closed without him securing a move. With Osimhen’s future at Napoli hanging by a thread, it’s worth examining what exactly went wrong. Was it greed, arrogance, or boardroom politics that caused this?
The Contract Dilemma: A Double-Edged Sword
Back in 2023, Osimhen extended his contract with Napoli, a move that seemed logical at the time. He had an impressive season. He scored 26 goals to help Napoli win Serie A. But, the contract extension came with some heavy baggage. His salary was significantly bumped up to $12 million per season, and a staggering $140 million release clause was inserted into the deal. On paper, this seemed like a smart move by Napoli to secure their star player. But in reality, it turned into a noose, tightening with each passing day of the transfer window.
Many top clubs want Osimhen. But, they balked at his price. His hefty salary and the high release clause made the deal too costly for most. Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and some rich Saudi Pro League clubs couldn’t meet their pay demands. In hindsight, was the release clause an example of Napoli overestimating the market’s willingness to meet such terms?
The Al-Ahli Fiasco: A Missed Opportunity or a Tactical Move?
One of the more notable chapters in this saga involved Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. Initially, Osimhen seemed uninterested in the move, preferring to continue his European adventure. But as the window neared its close, the situation became more fluid. However, Napoli’s insistence on the release clause put off Al-Ahli. So, they signed Ivan Toney from Brentford for a lower fee.
Some speculated that Osimhen wanted to play in the Premier League. This might explain his reluctance to accept Al-Ahli’s offer. Others believe it was simply a case of Napoli misjudging the market. The Saudi Pro League has aggressively pursued top talent. But, they were unwilling to spend over $140 million on a single player, especially with cheaper options available.
A Social Media Storm: The Fallout with Napoli
Beyond the finances and failed talks, another factor played a key role in this transfer saga. It was the personal conflict between Osimhen and Napoli. Last September, Osimhen found himself at odds with the club after they posted a mocking video of him on social media. The video, which poked fun at his penalty-taking skills after a missed spot-kick against Bologna, did not sit well with the Nigerian star. In a fit of frustration, Osimhen deleted almost all photos of himself in Napoli’s colors from his social media accounts.
Though Napoli eventually apologized and took down the video, the damage was done. Trust was eroded, and Osimhen’s relationship with the club grew increasingly strained. This incident might have contributed to his desire to leave the club, further complicating any negotiations.
Boardroom Politics: A Tense Atmosphere at Napoli
Behind the scenes, the atmosphere at Napoli has been anything but calm. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has a reputation for being a tough negotiator, and this transfer window was no different. Reports suggest that, a year ago, De Laurentiis got big offers for Osimhen. He encouraged the player to stay and sweetened the deal with a big contract extension. However, at negotiation time, his hardline stance allowed no flexibility.
Adding to the tension was the arrival of Antonio Conte as Napoli’s new coach. Conte, known for his high standards, has been busy revamping the squad. He has brought in several new players, including Romelu Lukaku. Osimhen, once a key figure in the team, suddenly found himself on the periphery, with Lukaku rumored to take over the coveted No. 9 jersey. Though Lukaku eventually wore No. 11 in a match against Parma, scoring on his debut, the message was clear—Napoli was moving forward with or without Osimhen.
Personal Issues: Distractions from Home
While the negotiations dragged on, Osimhen was also dealing with personal issues back home. His public rant on social media against ex-Ajax player Finidi George, the coach of Nigeria’s national team, did not go unnoticed. His public criticism, and the media storm that followed, might have distracted him from focusing on his future at Napoli.
What Now for Osimhen?
As things stand, Osimhen remains at Napoli, but his position is far from secure. With the transfer windows across Europe closed, his options are limited. The Saudi Pro League and the Turkish Süper Lig are options. But, can they meet Napoli’s demands and Osimhen’s expectations?
For now, Osimhen will continue to earn his $12 million salary while Napoli figures out their next move. At just 25, he has years left in top-level football. But, this episode shows how quickly things can change in sports. It could be greed, arrogance, or boardroom politics. Or a mix of all three. Whatever the cause, one thing is clear: all involved will learn lessons.
Lessons to Be Learned
This saga serves as a cautionary tale for players, clubs, and agents alike. The football world is not just about talent and performance on the pitch; it’s also about making the right decisions off it. Every detail counts. This includes: setting financial goals, building ties with the club’s management, and handling personal issues away from the spotlight.
As for Osimhen, his story is far from over. Whether he finds a new club in the coming months or reintegrates into Napoli’s squad, the coming season will be a defining chapter in his career. As we watch this unfold, we can only hope. The lessons learned should lead to better decisions. They should create a brighter future for one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents