Victor Osimhen’s much-anticipated transfer to Chelsea and Ahli has fallen apart, just hours before the summer transfer window slammed shut.
The Nigerian forward and the Premier League club were unable to reach an agreement, leaving the highly sought-after striker’s future in serious doubt.
The breakdown of the Chelsea deal came with just two hours left on the clock, dashing hopes of seeing Osimhen don the blue jersey this season.
In another blow, Osimhen’s potential move to Saudi Arabia also fell apart, as Al Ahli, a key contender for his signature, opted to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney on deadline day instead.
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Adding to the uncertainty, the collapse of the Chelsea move has reportedly strained Osimhen’s relationship with his current club, Napoli.
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, if no new bids materialize before the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window closes, Osimhen faces the grim prospect of being frozen out of Napoli’s first-team squad.
Already, Osimhnen is at a precarious position as Napoli have stripped Victor Osimhen of the no.9 shirt amid his failed move to Chelsea.
Osimhen’s shirt will now be worn by Romelu Lukaku this season.
Lukaku was signed by the Serie A club to replace the Nigerian striker, with the hope that he would move the other way to Stamford Bridge.
However, with Osimhen’s future in limbo, the former Italian champions have decided to exile the player.
Napoli have also removed Osimhen from their official Serie A squad.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Victor Osimhen has been excluded by Napoli’s Serie A squad list… and also number 9 will NO longer be on his shirt.
Napoli have decided to give number 9 to Romelu Lukaku with immediate effect.”
