Napoli turn to Nigerian striker as Victor Osimhen replacement amid Juventus competition

Napoli's Victor Osimhen | Imago

Napoli turn to Nigerian striker as Victor Osimhen replacement amid Juventus competition

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 11:25 - 19.08.2024

Napoli are considering signing a young striker of Nigerian descent as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen, with Juventus also in the race for the starlet.

As the Victor Osimhen transfer saga at SSC Napoli continues, the club from Naples have reportedly switched attention to another striker eligible for Nigeria as a possible replacement.

The dethroned Serie A champions are in the market for solutions at centre forward after it emerged that club icon Osimhen wants to end his union with the club this summer.

With the Osimhen transfer dragging on with no resolutions in sight, Napoli have now tracking Atletico Madrid’s youngster Samuel Omorodion before the end of the summer.

According to transfer guru, Di Marzio, Omorodion, who was close to joining Premier League heavy spenders Chelsea, is still in the market and could end up in the Serie A after the move to Stamford Bridge fell through. 

Samu Omorodion celebrates against Atletico Madrid in August 2023 (Credit: Instagram/@samuomorodion)

The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Nervion and Granada before Diego Simeone and Atletico activated his release clause to lure him to Madrid last summer.

However, the youngster was quickly farmed out on loan to Alaves where he impressed, scoring eight goals as the club secured a credible LaLiga finish.

Antonio Conte is still playing without Osimhen. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Since his return to Atletico following the end of his loan, the Nigeria-eligible youngster has been linked with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

And now, it has emerged that he could be set to replace Osimhen in Naples with the Super Eagles striker and African Player of the Year expected to depart the club.

Samu Omorodion after signing for Atletico Madrid in August 2023 (Credit: Imago/@atleticodemadrid)

Napoli have already kicked off life without Osimhen, but are looking to take Omorodion on loan but seem set to face competition from Juventus, who are in the market with the futures of Arkadiusz Milik and Dusan Vlahovic in doubt.

Milik has reportedly been left out of the squad by new manager Thiago Motta, who is looking to shape the Old Lady into his taste after his move from Bologna.

Vlahovic in action for Juventus
Dusan Vlahovic could leave Juventus this summer.

With Osimhen’s future still a major cause for concern for the club, it will be interesting to see if Napoli and their new manager, Antonio Conte whose time at the club has kicked off on a terrible note can convince the LaLiga outfit to let go of their prized asset. 

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