Victor Osimhen was notably absent from Napoli’s squad for their first official match of the season against Modena in the Coppa Italia. The Nigerian striker, who was not even listed on the bench, is reportedly being sidelined as the club focuses on securing a transfer for him and bringing in Romelu Lukaku.
Transfer Speculations
Osimhen’s exclusion follows a series of events indicating his potential departure from Napoli. On 3 August, he was left out of a friendly match amid ongoing transfer discussions. Earlier, on 31 July, reports surfaced linking him with moves to Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The striker has been consistently absent from the squad since 28 July, with transfer talks intensifying.
Potential Destinations
The 24-year-old forward, known for his pace and clinical finishing, has been a subject of interest for several top European clubs. PSG has been particularly active in the transfer market, targeting both Osimhen and João Neves, as reported on 21 July.
Napoli’s Strategy
Napoli’s decision to exclude Osimhen from the squad underscores their intent to finalise his transfer. The club is simultaneously working on signing Romelu Lukaku, aiming to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.