Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte has expressed sympathy for Victor Osimhen’s current situation.
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker was heavily linked with a move away from Napoli throughout the summer transfer window. However, with the window now closed, no deal was finalized for the former LOSC Lille forward.
Conte acknowledged the Napoli board’s decision to hold firm on not integrating Osimhen into the squad, but he expressed regret over the situation. “There were issues that blocked it; perhaps if we had resolved [Osimhen’s] situation, we might have completed the team differently and earlier. I’m sorry for what happened. I’m sorry for Osimhen, for the club that didn’t benefit financially, and for myself because we didn’t complete the team as planned. Nonetheless, the club has shown consistency and respect for the rules, which I commend,” Conte said, as quoted by Cult of Calcio.
In response, Osimhen has received support from fellow Nigerians, including Stanley Nwabali, Asisat Oshoala, John Ogu, Jude Odion Ighalo, and others, who have rallied around him after his potential move to Chelsea fell through.
Osimhen, who previously played for Wolfsburg, will likely seek a transfer during the January window, with continued speculation linking him to a move to Chelsea.
