Napoli have officially removed Victor Osimhen from their Serie A squad list, and have also handed his squad number over to new signing Romelu Lukaku, who will wear the no.9 shirt for the 2024-25 season.
Osimhen removed from Napoli squad list
The Nigerian’s removal from the squad comes after a spectacularly chaotic transfer deadline day, which saw him fail to agree a move to either Chelsea or Al-ahli of the Saudi Pro League.
Osimhen remains contracted to Napoli until the summer of 2026, and is on a contract that costs around €10m per season in wages.
He had been hoping to secure a move to Al-Ahli on a whopping four-year contract worth a reported €40m per season in wages, but the move fell through when Napoli asked for more on the transfer fee. Al-Ahli eventually decided to sign England international Ivan Toney from Brentford instead.
Napoli will be in league action on Saturday evening, hosting Parma at the Stadio Maradona.
New striker Lukaku is expected to start up front, while Billy Gilmour, who arrived from Brighton on deadline day, could also be named on the bench. Scott McTominay will not be there, but could make his debut against Cagliari after the international break.
Mario Rui has also been taken off Napoli’s squad list to make way for new signings, but Michael Folorunsho keeps his place.
Ecco la lista Serie A della SSCNapoli: Osimhen e Mario Rui fuori! Inserito Folorunsho https://t.co/xdfikYwHz1
— TuttoNapoli.net (@tuttonapoli) August 31, 2024
How the Osimhen, Al-Ahli, Chelsea transfer saga unfolded on deadline day
Silly not to use him if he’s stuck there for the season.
Lukaku isn’t an upgrade.
Turned away by Napoli and unwanted by even the Saudi’s…!
30m should be enough for the winter transfer.
Can’t imagine if Napoli do not qualify for next UCL. They don’t have the money to support another season and they have to sell KK.
Lukaku is No11.
Which leaves door open for Osimhen to return once everybody calms down.
Once everyone comes down??? There were signs Napoli would do it to their important players in years and Osimhen didn’t take serious the hint. He will leave in the next transfer and it’s Napoli who will be in deep trouble after Conte calls it a quit to save face after realising he won’t be able to do anything in a highly competitive league