How Conte’s arrival at Napoli may hinder Osimhen’s exit

Incoming Napoli manager Antonio Conte may convince Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to continue his career at the Serie A side as his massive release clause could deter prospective suitors from further bidding for his signature.

Conte has not coached any side since departing from Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur in March 2023 but is expected to be in the Napoli dugout as the new coach in charge from next season.

The current African Footballer of the Year and Nigerian striker has a €130 million release clause (N189 billion in Nigerian currency) to the contract extension he signed in 2023 that will expire in June 2026 and not many of the clubs interested in signing him can trigger the clause.

Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal and Manchester United were credited with interest in the 25-year-old striker Nigeria who scored 15 league goals for the Pernopei last season as they finished in 10th place on the log.

However, with negotiations between Napoli and former Chelsea manager Conte at an advanced stage with a four-year deal on the cards to become the new boss at the Naples side, Osimhen may remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

Conte had a great working relationship with a former Nigerian international, Victor Moses whilst he was in charge of Chelsea and could see the Super Eagles star as capable of reproducing the form that saw the club win the title after 30 years.

Osimhen’s transfer value hit the high figures after his 29 Serie A goals in the 2022/2023 season helped Napoli in securing the Scudetto title for the first time in 30 years.

The aforementioned clubs according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, have decided to pursue other targets thereby leading to speculation that the Osimhen deal may not come to fruition.

PSG are reportedly now eyeing a move for Osimhen’s club teammate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a possible replacement for Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe while Arsenal and Chelsea are linked to bids for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.