Former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso has disclosed that the club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, turned down a staggering offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to sell Victor Osimhen last summer. The revelation sheds light on the extent of interest in the Nigerian striker and the determination of Napoli to retain their star player.
A Summer of Speculation
Osimhen’s exceptional performances for Napoli during the 2022-23 season had attracted widespread attention from top European clubs. PSG, in particular, were keen to bolster their attacking options and were reportedly willing to pay a substantial fee to acquire the Nigerian international.
However, Meluso, who served as Napoli’s sporting director until last year, revealed that PSG’s offer was so significant that it could be described as “pharaonic.” Despite the financial allure, De Laurentiis, known for his tough negotiating tactics, ultimately decided to keep Osimhen at Napoli.
Napoli’s Stance on Osimhen
Napoli’s decision to reject PSG’s offer was a clear indication of their commitment to retaining Osimhen. The club has invested heavily in the striker, who joined from Lille in 2020 for a fee of €70 million. Osimhen has repaid that investment with impressive performances, becoming a key figure in Napoli’s success.
De Laurentiis has consistently expressed his admiration for Osimhen, praising his talent, work ethic, and commitment to the club. The president has also made it clear that he is not interested in selling the striker, even if he receives lucrative offers.
The Impact of Osimhen’s Stay
Osimhen’s continued presence at Napoli has had a significant impact on the club’s ambitions. The striker’s goal-scoring prowess and ability to create chances for his teammates have been instrumental in Napoli’s success both domestically and in Europe.
With Osimhen leading the line, Napoli have emerged as one of the strongest teams in Serie A and have qualified for the UEFA Champions League. The club’s fans are hopeful that Osimhen can help them achieve even greater success in the future.
The Future of Osimhen
While Napoli has been successful in retaining Osimhen, there is always the possibility of future interest from other clubs. The striker’s performances continue to attract attention, and it remains to be seen whether Napoli will be able to resist future offers.
However, given De Laurentiis’ stance on Osimhen and the player’s apparent happiness at Napoli, it seems likely that he will remain at the club for at least the foreseeable future.
The Implications for Napoli’s Future
The decision to reject PSG’s offer for Osimhen was a bold one, but it has paid off for Napoli. The club has maintained a strong squad and has continued to compete at the highest level.
The presence of Osimhen not only strengthens Napoli’s on-field performance but also enhances the club’s image and attractiveness to other players. A successful team with a star player is more likely to attract top talent and secure lucrative sponsorship deals.
As Napoli continues to build on their recent success, the decision to keep Osimhen will likely be seen as a pivotal moment in the club’s history. The striker’s presence has not only helped Napoli achieve their goals on the field but has also solidified the club’s position as a major force in European football.
