Napoli has officially removed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from their Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 season, intensifying the ongoing tension between the star forward and the club.
The No. 9 jersey, once donned by Osimhen, has now been assigned to new signing Romelu Lukaku, signaling a major shift in the team’s lineup.
Osimhen Dropped After Failed Transfer Attempts
Victor Osimhen’s exclusion follows a disappointing end to the transfer window, where anticipated moves to Premier League club Chelsea or Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli failed to materialize.
Although still under contract with Napoli until 2026, Osimhen now faces the possibility of spending the season on the bench.
Osimhen, who earns around €10 million per year at Napoli, was negotiating a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli, where he would have earned €40 million annually over four years.
However, the deal fell apart when Napoli demanded a higher transfer fee, leading Al-Ahli to shift their focus to England’s Ivan Toney from Brentford instead.
Lukaku In, Osimhen Out as Napoli Finalizes Squad
As Napoli prepares for their upcoming Serie A match against Parma at the Stadio Maradona, Romelu Lukaku is expected to take on a pivotal role, wearing Osimhen’s former No. 9 jersey.
The Belgian striker, who joined Napoli from Chelsea, is set to play a key role in the team’s campaign this season, filling the void left by Osimhen’s absence.
In addition to Osimhen, defender Mario Rui has also been removed from Napoli’s squad list to make room for new signings.
However, Nigerian-Italian midfielder Michael Folorunsho retains his place in the team. Other recent additions, such as Billy Gilmour from Brighton, could feature in upcoming matches, while Scott McTominay is expected to make his debut after the international break.
The decision to exclude Osimhen marks a critical point in the strained relationship between the player and Napoli, casting serious doubt on his future with the club.
As the Serie A season progresses, the spotlight will be on whether Osimhen can find a way back into the team or secure a move elsewhere.
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