In a dramatic turn of events on the final day of the summer transfer window, Victor Osimhen’s highly anticipated move to Chelsea has fallen through, leaving the Nigerian striker’s future at Napoli in limbo. The collapse of the deal, which came just hours before the transfer deadline, has exposed deep-seated tensions between Osimhen and the Serie A champions.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on social media that Chelsea’s delegation left Naples without reaching an agreement, effectively ending negotiations. “Deal completely OFF for Victor Osimhen. No agreement with Chelsea and the Chelsea delegation now leaving Napoli,” Romano stated.
The situation was further complicated when Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, previously linked with Osimhen, pivoted to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney for £40 million. Al Ahli had initially agreed to a £67 million fee with Napoli for Osimhen, but the deal unraveled when Napoli reportedly increased their asking price at the last minute.
Romano added, “If nothing happens from Saudi next 3 days, Osimhen will stay at Napoli but he’s NOT gonna be part of the first-team squad. The relationship (with Napoli) is currently completely broken.”
The breakdown in relations between Osimhen and Napoli can be traced back to September 2023, when the club posted a TikTok video perceived as mocking the striker after he missed a penalty. Despite Napoli’s insistence that no offense was intended, the incident left Osimhen furious, leading him to remove all Napoli-related content from his social media accounts.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, had previously threatened legal action over the TikTok incident. Despite this, Osimhen signed a contract extension with Napoli until 2026, a decision now under scrutiny given recent events.
The 25-year-old reigning African Player of the Year played a crucial role in ending Napoli’s 33-year wait for a league title in the 2022-23 season, finishing as Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals. However, his future at the club now appears uncertain.
Calenda had earlier expressed Osimhen’s desire to remain in Europe, stating, “Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth in the Ballon d’Or, he still has a lot to say in Europe. Respect and balance are needed.”
As the transfer saga concludes, Osimhen’s position at Napoli remains precarious. With the relationship between player and club described as “completely broken,” and the threat of being frozen out of the first-team squad looming, all eyes will be on how this situation develops in the coming days and weeks.
The football community will be closely watching to see if any last-minute offers materialize from Saudi Arabia before their transfer window closes, or if a reconciliation between Osimhen and Napoli is possible. For now, the future of one of Europe’s most prolific strikers hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over Napoli’s title defense and potentially impacting the landscape of European football.
