Victor Osimhen expected departure from Italian Serie A side Napoli is reportedly close to happening and his departure is likely to coincide with the arrival of two Nigerians at the club, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Reports from Italy has it that PSG are leading the race for the signing of the Nigerian, but sources in France played down the reports yesterday insisting that the move isn’t as advanced as widely reported.
While his departure looks certain in the summer, his destination still remains unknown for now with Napoli keen on securing a spot in Europe next season after losing their Serie A title to Inter Milan.
Osimhen’s departure will coincide with the integration of Michael Folorunsho into the first team of the club after his impressive performances at his loan club Hellas Verona. He has so far made 31 appearances with four goals to his name.
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Last season he had a productive loan spell with Serie B side Bari but Napoli believe that a move to a Serie A side, where he will get regular run of games will be of benefit to him than keeping him in their team.
After excelling at Verona, he is expected back at the club and will sign a contract extension, which will see him become a part of the first team for the team he joined in 2019 as a 21 year old and being loan out almost immediately.
The same scenario will likely play out if the club go ahead with their plans to sign 25 year old Nigerian Philip Otele from Romanian top division side CFR Cluj. Their idea will be to loan him out to a fellow Serie A side upon his signing.
The Nigerian has caught the eyes in his first season at the club with 14 goals and seven assists from his role on the flanks leading to interest from top teams around Europe, with Napoli listed among his suitors.
Napoli want to pull the same trick that saw them unearth a super star by signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Dinamo Batumi of Georgia, a backwater country in European football, but they face stiff competition from English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
According to the president of Cluj Ioan Varga, talks are already underway for Otele to join the English side for a deal in the region of £6m with a 20% sell on clause.
Daniel Martins
