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Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen wanted a move away from Napoli this summer but failed despite huge interest from Chelsea and Al Ahli.
The 2024/2025 summer transfer window was dominated by the saga surrounding Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen's potential move away from Napoli.
This Pulse Sports Nigeria report provides a detailed analysis of the events that unfolded, involving Napoli, Chelsea, and Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.
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Osimhen vs al Ahli vs Chelsea: Genesis
Victor Osimhen, 25, expressed his desire to leave Napoli this summer after a successful spell, including leading the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Osimhen finished as the top scorer in Serie A with 26 goals but wanted out, especially after a breakdown in his relationship with the club dating back to that incredible video on TikTok, attracting interest from top clubs in Europe led by Chelsea and Saudi Arabia.
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Key Players in the Saga
- Victor Osimhen
- Napoli
- Chelsea
- Al Ahli (Saudi Pro League)
- Ivan Toney (Brentford striker, alternative target for Al Ahli)
Timeline of Events
Initial Interest from Al Ahli
- Al Ahli submitted a shock bid to Napoli for Osimhen.
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The initial offer from the Saudi Pro League outfit exceeded €65 million, significantly below Osimhen's €130 million release clause.
Deadline Day Drama
Al Ahli's Improved Offer
- Total package worth €80 million
- Four-year contract for Osimhen, worth €25-30 million per season net
- Inclusion of a release clause as demanded by Osimhen
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The Saudi side was willing to do whatever it took to get the former Lille man to join their star-studded lineup in the Pro League
- Chelsea's Interest
Then entered Chelsea, who never really left but became more active on the final day for transfer business in Europe.
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A delegation led by Todd Boehly flew to Naples to seal the deal, with a private jet provided.
- Complications for Al Ahli
Despite their keen interest and all the stops pulled to get the deal done, Al Ahli faced hurdles due to foreign player quota and budget constraints.
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The club could only choose one between Osimhen and Ivan Toney.
Final Outcomes
With Osimhen not giving the green light, Al Ahli completed a deal for Ivan Toney, having scheduled medicals earlier on.
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The Saudi Arabian side agreed a £40 million deal with Brentford for Toney, who has since been unveiled by the club.
That left Premier League interest from Chelsea, who offered Osimhen a wage lower than his current earnings at Napoli.
Of course, no agreement was reached, and the Chelsea delegation left Naples to return to England.
Osimhen's Situation
- No deadline day move materialised.
- The deal with Chelsea was completely off.
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Osimhen remains at Napoli, but reports suggest he will not be part of the first-team squad under new manager Antonio Conte, who had already issued him a quit notice with the arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.
Nevertheless, the Saudi Arabian transfer window remains open for three more days, leaving a slim possibility of a late move.
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Analysis
The saga highlights the current financial power of Saudi Arabian clubs, capable of rivalling traditional European giants.
Chelsea's lower wage offer suggests a more cautious approach to financial fair play regulations by the Boehly-led board despite splashing enough cash in the summer.
The club's willingness to fly a delegation to Naples, but reluctance to match Osimhen's current wages, raises questions about their transfer strategy and financial priorities.
Osimhen's refusal to give the green light to Al Ahli demonstrates the increasing power players hold in transfer negotiations.
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Also, Al Ahli's pursuit of both Osimhen and Toney shows a flexible approach to recruitment, quickly pivoting when faced with obstacles.
And then, the failed transfer and subsequent reports of Osimhen being excluded from the first team could have significant sporting and financial implications for Napoli.
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Conclusion
The Victor Osimhen transfer saga of the 2024/2025 summer window encapsulates the complexities of modern football transfers.
It shows the interplay between player ambitions, club finances, and the emerging influence of Saudi Arabian football.
Ultimately, the failure to secure a move, despite interest from major clubs, leaves Osimhen in a precarious position at Napoli and sets the stage for potential further developments in the saga.
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