Conte Regrets Osimhen’s Sale, Says It Would Have Completed Napoli’s Transfer Plans
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has expressed his disappointment over the club’s failure to sell Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window.
Speaking after Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Parma, where Romelu Lukaku—Osimhen’s potential replacement—scored off the bench, Conte hinted that Osimhen’s future at the club might be uncertain.
Osimhen was close to securing a move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day, but the deal collapsed due to disagreements over salary demands. A potential transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal also fell through. These failed moves leave the Super Eagles star in a precarious position at Napoli, especially after Lukaku’s arrival, who is expected to play a significant role in the squad.
“I’m happy with the work the club did in the market,” Conte said, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. “If we had sold Victor Osimhen, we would have completed our plans… but I’m still satisfied.”
Commenting on Lukaku’s arrival, Conte added:
“What can I say about Romelu? He is a unique center-forward. Usually, big strikers are a bit slow, or you have to use them as a target in the penalty area, or they lack the pace to exploit space on the pitch.
“I’ve always described Lukaku as an American Football player. He’s 1.90m tall, but very fast. He is a powerful player who can hold up the ball, involve other players, find combinations, and also attack spaces to cause damage.
“That’s why I consider him unique. He’s also a great guy, and I would put my hand on an open flame for him. He knows the responsibility that comes with playing for Napoli and the expectations of the fans.”