Napoli boss declares Osimhen will not leave, praises club president for handling Nigeria's transfer saga

Napoli's Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, has cast doubt on the possibility of Victor Osimhen moving to Saudi Arabia after a dramatic transfer deadline day saw the Nigerian striker's moves to both Chelsea and Al-Ahli collapse.

Speaking ahead of Napoli's match against Parma, Manna addressed the tense situation surrounding Osimhen, as the Nigeria international had been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with deals to both the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League falling through at the last minute.

Osimhen had reportedly agreed on a deal with Al Ahli, but the transfer collapsed at the last moment after the Saudi Pro League club backed away and chose England international Ivan Toney instead.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Manna made it clear that Osimhen is unlikely to leave Napoli for Saudi Arabia during this transfer window, saying, “The transfer market is still open, there are many options, but I don’t think Victor will go to Saudi Arabia in this transfer session.”

The lack of a move away from Napoli means the Nigerian striker will be stuck in Naples for the time being, despite it being clear that he is no longer a part of the first-team squad.

In light of the failed transfer, Manna praised Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis for his handling of the situation despite the club being in a difficult position.

According to Manna, De Laurentiis took on significant financial risk by investing in new players despite the club being unable to recoup the amount invested by selling Osimhen this summer.

Napoli were able to sign Romelu Lukaku, Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay despite their plan to sell Osimhen to fund these moves falling apart at the last minute, and Manna revealed that this was thanks to the club president.

Speaking to reporters, Manna added, “Our ideas were clear from the start. We were waiting to sell Victor to finance these operations, but the sale did not arrive, and the President took on the responsibility to invest and reboot. He took on all the risk, he was incredible.”

Napoli are already reaping the benefits of the signings that De Laurentiis made after Romelu Lukaku helped spark a comeback win over Parma.