Victor Osimhen: Napoli President sends ominous transfer message to Super Eagles striker after ‘stupid’ Tiktok controversy

Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis has issued a veiled warning to striker Victor Osimhen amid speculations about his future with the club, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen gained immense recognition last season after scoring 26 league goals, contributing to Napoli’s first Scudetto title in 33 years.

Although Osimhen was heavily linked with a move away from Napoli during the summer transfer window, including interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, no deal materialised despite failed bids from PSG and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

Consequently, Osimhen remained in Naples for the 2023/24 season.

Reports had indicated that Napoli and the Nigerian forward were on the verge of finalising a contract extension, potentially securing his services beyond his current contract’s expiration in 2025.

However, that deal may be facing jeopardy as the relationship between the player and the club hit an all-time low in recent days.

Trouble started when Napoli posted a video on social media that appeared to mock Osimhen’s missed penalty at Bologna.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry condemned Napoli’s handling of the incident as ‘stupid and shocking’.

While Osimhen has decided not to proceed with taking legal actions against Napoli, the controversy has fueled speculation that the Super Eagles forward may be considering a swift exit from the club.

Nevertheless, Napoli owner De Laurentiis seems unfazed by the situation, asserting that there are no concerns regarding Osimhen’s contract extension.

De Laurentiis hinted that players find happiness at Napoli, insinuating that they often lose that joy once they depart the club.

As per Tutto Napoli, when asked about Osimhen’s contract renewal prospects, De Laurentiis stated, “There is no problem, there is never a problem: everyone in Napoli is always happy; the problem is when they leave, they can no longer find the main road.”

De Laurentiis did not, however, shy away from praising Osimhen’s exceptional match-winning abilities, emphasising that he is a player who can single-handedly shape a team’s performance.

The Italian businessman said, “Always strong, he’s a player who makes a team on his own. That’s not up for debate.”

Osimhen has never hidden his desire to one day play in the English Premier League.