Napoli Drops Osimhen From Squad After Failed Chelsea Transfer, Gives No. 9 Jersey to Lukaku

Napoli has officially left Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen out of their Serie A squad for the 2024-25 season.

The Italian club has also given his No. 9 jersey to their new signing, Romelu Lukaku, highlighting the worsening relationship between Napoli and Osimhen.

Osimhen’s removal from the squad follows a chaotic transfer deadline day, where he failed to secure a move to either Chelsea in the Premier League or Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Although Osimhen is under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2026, his future with the club now seems uncertain.

The Nigerian forward, who currently earns around €10 million a year, had hoped for a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli, which would have paid him €40 million annually for four years.

However, the deal fell apart when Napoli demanded a higher transfer fee, prompting Al-Ahli to pursue England’s Ivan Toney from Brentford instead.

With Napoli preparing for their Serie A match against Parma at the Stadio Maradona, Romelu Lukaku is set to make his debut in Osimhen’s former No. 9 jersey.

Lukaku, who joined from Chelsea, is Napoli’s major signing of the season and is expected to go straight into the first team following Osimhen’s exclusion.

Alongside Osimhen, defender Mario Rui has also been cut from the squad to make room for new signings.

However, Nigerian-Italian player Michael Folorunsho remains on the team.

Other recent additions, such as Billy Gilmour from Brighton, might play soon, while Scott McTominay is expected to make his first appearance after the international break.

KanyiDaily recalls that Napoli previously wanted to sell Victor Osimhen to Al Ahli, turning down an offer from Chelsea.