Victor Osimhen’s tenure at Napoli has been marked by remarkable achievements and notable challenges. The Nigerian striker played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph during the 2022-2023 season, becoming the first African to clinch the league’s top scorer title.

However, his journey with the Italian club has also been fraught with controversies and disputes that have strained his relationship with the team.

The TikTok Controversy

In September 2023, tensions escalated when Napoli’s official TikTok account posted a video mocking Osimhen for missing a penalty. The video, which was later deleted, featured a sped-up voiceover questioning the penalty miss, leading to widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, described the video as “unacceptable” and indicated that they were considering legal action against the club.

Failed Transfers and Contract Disputes

The summer transfer window of 2024 was a tumultuous period for Osimhen. He was heavily linked with moves to clubs like Chelsea and Al-Ahli. However, these transfers failed to materialize, reportedly due to Napoli’s high valuation and additional demands. For instance, a proposed €160 million move to Al-Ahli collapsed over a €5 million payment dispute, leading to further strain between Osimhen and Napoli’s management.

Following these failed transfers, Osimhen was left in a state of limbo. Reports suggest that he felt marginalized and disrespected by the club’s handling of his career. In response, he took the unprecedented step of brokering a loan move to Galatasaray himself, including a unique clause that would allow him to leave if one of ten specified clubs made an offer.

Exclusion from the Squad

The relationship deteriorated further when Napoli excluded Osimhen from their official 23-man Serie A squad for the 2024-2025 season. This decision came after the collapse of his transfer to Al-Ahli and was perceived as a punitive measure by the club. The exclusion not only affected Osimhen’s playing time but also had potential implications for his career trajectory and market value.

Loan Move to Galatasaray

In a bid to secure regular playing time and revive his career, Osimhen negotiated a loan move to Galatasaray until June 2025. This move was seen as a fresh start for the striker, away from the controversies in Naples. The loan agreement included a clause allowing him to depart if certain top European clubs expressed interest, indicating his desire to keep options open for the future.

Public Criticism and Future Prospects

Public figures in football have also weighed in on Osimhen’s situation. Notably, José Mourinho, then managing Fenerbahçe, criticized Osimhen for what he perceived as the player’s tendency to dive during matches. Mourinho’s comments highlighted the scrutiny Osimhen was under, both on and off the pitch.

Despite these challenges, Osimhen’s talent remains undeniable. His performances have attracted interest from top European clubs, and his loan move to Galatasaray includes provisions for a potential transfer if clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, or Bayern Munich come calling. This strategic move indicates that while his chapter with Napoli may be closing, Osimhen’s career in top-flight football is far from over.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s journey with Napoli has been a blend of significant achievements and complex challenges. From leading the club to a historic Serie A title to navigating public controversies and failed transfers, his tenure reflects the volatile nature of professional football. As he embarks on a new chapter with Galatasaray, the football world will be watching closely to see how this talented striker continues to evolve and overcome the obstacles in his path.