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Napoli look to keep up their love affair with Nigerians as they eye two of Osimhen's compatriots to replace the Super Eagles star striker
As Napoli braces for the potential departure of star striker Victor Osimhen in the summer, the club has begun the search for a worthy successor to fill the void left by the Nigerian sensation.
Osimhen, who recently extended his contract until June 2026, including a hefty €130m release clause, has hinted at his intention to embark on a new challenge, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging as a likely destination. This development has propelled Napoli into action, identifying two promising talents as potential replacements.
Joshua Zirkzee: A Dual Heritage Prospect
The first name on Napoli's radar is Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee, a striker of Dutch-Nigerian heritage. At just 22 years old, Zirkzee has shown considerable promise, making him an exciting option for the Partenopei.
However, Napoli's pursuit of the young forward comes with a financial caveat; Zirkzee's €40m release clause is a privilege reserved exclusively for Bayern Munich, indicating that Napoli would need to engage in a competitive bid to secure his services.
Victor Boniface: The Leverkusen Hitman
The search for Osimhen's successor also leads to Bayer Leverkusen's Nigerian forward, Victor Boniface who was having an impressive first season in the Bundesliga.
The former USG forward had scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in the Bundesliga before suffering an injury during Nigeria’s pre-AFCON 2023 camp.
With the expected influx of over €100m from Osimhen's sale, Napoli finds itself in a strong position to invest in a high-caliber replacement. Boniface, like Zirkzee, represents a blend of youth and talent that Napoli is keen on exploring as they aim to maintain their attacking prowess in the post-Osimhen era.
Napoli's Strategic Planning
The departure of a player of Osimhen's caliber is undeniably a significant blow to any team. However, Napoli's proactive approach in identifying suitable replacements underscores the club's commitment to competitiveness and continuity. By targeting players like Zirkzee and Boniface, Napoli demonstrates a keen eye for talent and an understanding of the importance of seamless transitions within the squad.
The potential exit of Victor Osimhen marks the end of an era at Napoli, but also the beginning of a new chapter. With Joshua Zirkzee and Victor Boniface earmarked as the leading candidates to spearhead Napoli's attack, the club is poised to usher in a fresh wave of talent. While the shoes left by Osimhen are undoubtedly large to fill, the prospects of Zirkzee and Boniface offer a glimpse into a promising future for Napoli, as they continue to navigate the ever-competitive landscape of European football.
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