The future of Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen has remained unclear amid Premier League interest. The 24-year-old is yet to agree a deal with any club. This is despite reports from Italy suggesting that he has an agreement to join Liverpool next season.
The striker is one of the most sought-after talents in world football as his prolific spell with Napoli continues.
Osimhen has scored 65 goals in 111 games for the Italian side since joining from Lille in 2020. His epic tally of 31 in 39 games last season has been especially impressive.
It is not out of the question that he could repeat those numbers in this campaign. The Nigerian can already boast of six goals in 10 appearances so far. This has clearly open doors for interest from clubs across Europe.
Manchester United brought in Rasmus Hojlund after being heavily linked with the striker. Meanwhile, interest from other Premier League giants like Chelsea and Liverpool remains.
It has been reported in Italy that Osimhen and Liverpool have already come to an agreement. But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states otherwise.
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Romano told Caught Offside: ‘Chelsea are still keeping an eye on Osimhen. But despite some media reports in Italy stating that he’s agreed a contract with Liverpool, my understanding is that he hasn’t agreed anything with any club. There is not even an agreement over a new contract with Napoli, despite receiving a huge offer from his current club.
‘Osimhen will take his time, but for now I can say the links with Liverpool are not true. Of course, Liverpool and many other clubs are keeping an eye on top strikers around Europe. But nothing is agreed, Osimhen will take his time. We’ll have to wait and see how it will evolve, even if it is sure to be one to watch in 2024.’
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has wished Osimhen to extend his contract with the club beyond 2025. But things appear to have changed.
There were reports of an extension being nearly done following De Laurentiis multiple meetings with Osimhen’s agent after the close of the summer transfer window. But doubts have since emerged over what is next for the striker.
‘I have never been unhappy towards Osimhen, but there are always two of us in these things,’ said the president.
‘I have remained the same, if his mood has changed [over a new deal] I can’t do anything about it.
‘If things change after a handshake, it’s disappointing, we take note of it but then life goes on.
‘There are excellent relations with him, the contract expires in 2025, there is time. Don’t forget that I sold Koulibaly [to Chelsea] a year before his contract expired.’