Napoli Replace Osimhen’s Number 9 Jersey With Lukaku After Transfer Saga

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been side-lined in a surprising move by the Serie A club, as they handed his iconic number 9 jersey to their new signing, Romelu Lukaku.

This decision comes after a summer filled with intense transfer speculation and a reported fallout between Osimhen and Napoli’s hierarchy, as reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Osimhen, who played a crucial role in delivering Napoli’s first Scudetto in 40 years, found himself at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving several top clubs.

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Despite last-minute bids from Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Premier League side Chelsea, Osimhen remains with the Parthenope, a situation that has left fans and analysts baffled.

The arrival of new Napoli manager Antonio Conte, who has a strong history with Lukaku from their successful time together at Inter Milan, seems to have shifted the club’s focus.

Conte’s preference for the Belgian striker is widely seen as the primary reason behind the decision to strip Osimhen of his number 9 shirt.

Napoli had reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi club Al Ahli for Osimhen’s transfer, with a fee around £67 million. However, negotiations fell through when Napoli demanded a higher price, leading Al Ahli to turn their attention to Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

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The Saudi club eventually secured Toney for a £40 million move after he underwent a medical in London on Deadline Day.

This failed transfer saga has left Osimhen in a precarious position, with rumours suggesting he might be side-lined until the January transfer window reopens.

The situation contrasts sharply with his recent successes, which include being named African Footballer of the Year and finishing 8th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

Tensions between Osimhen and Napoli had already been simmering, especially after the club’s official TikTok account released a controversial video that many viewed as disrespectful.

Despite the public fallout, Osimhen had extended his contract with Napoli until 2026.

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