Transfer Centre

Victor Osimhen hints at summer exit from Napoli

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 January 2024

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen says that he has 'already made up his mind' over where he wants to play his football after the end of the season.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has hinted that he intends to take on a new challenge at the end of the season.

Having scored 26 goals to help guide Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the last campaign, Osimhen has already cemented his legacy in Naples.

However, Napoli's attempt to defend their top-flight crown has proven to be a disaster, as they are down in ninth position in the standings and 21 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

That has not stopped Osimhen recently penning a contract extension, keeping him tied to Napoli until 2026, but a release clause is believed to be present in his new deal.

While the exact fee is unclear, it is believed to be at least €120m (£102.7m), ensuring that Napoli remain in a strong position with regards to his future.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen during the warm up before the match on August 27, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, that has not stopped speculation regarding the next move of his career coming sooner rather than later, with there known to be long-standing interest in the Premier League.

Each of Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Nigeria international, each of the London outfits not being in a position to meet Napoli's demands in January.

Speaking to CBS, Osimhen has revealed that he remains fully focused on life at Napoli, yet gave every indication that he would like to take on a new challenge in the summer.

The 25-year-old said, as quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano: "I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season". I already made up my mind. I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, the next step I want to take.

Genoa's Radu Dragusin in action with Napoli's Victor Osimhen on September 16, 2023 © Reuters

"I think 60% of the people mention the rumours about me linked with the Premier League. Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world".

"I want to finish the season with Napoli strong then come up with the decision I've already made."

Osimhen has endured a mixed 2023-24 from an individual perspective, contributing eight goals and three assists from his 18 appearances in all competitions.

While Real Madrid have also been linked with his signature, Osimhen has previously spoken of his dream to play in England, as well as acknowledge that he is an admirer of Chelsea in a post on X.