In just over a year, Victor Osimhen has gone from being hailed as Napoli’s savior to becoming an outcast, frozen out of the squad by the very club he once helped propel to glory.
How did this dramatic shift occur, and what does the future hold for the Nigerian striker?
The Schudetto Triumph and Osimhen’s Rise to Stardom
The 2022/23 season will forever be remembered in Napoli’s history, not only for clinching their first Serie A title since 1990 but also for Victor Osimhen’s incredible performances. The Nigerian striker was on fire, scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances and earning the league’s top scorer title. Osimhen’s popularity soared—boosting not just shirt sales but even the quirky trend of “Osimhen masks,” turning young fans into a “Ninja turtle army.”
As interests from top European clubs mounted, Osimhen’s stock was at an all-time high. Everything seemed set for a glorious future at Napoli, but fate had other plans.
Spalletti’s Exit: The First Domino
Just a month after Napoli’s title-winning celebrations, the club’s head coach, Luciano Spalletti, made a shocking announcement. He was taking a sabbatical, citing burnout. Spalletti’s departure triggered instability within the squad, which struggled under three different managers—Rudy Garcia, Walter Mazzarri, and Francesco Calzona—in the 2023/24 season.
Without Spalletti’s tactical guidance, Napoli finished a disappointing 10th place, missing out on the Champions League and seeing a dip in revenue. Osimhen’s performance suffered as well, with injuries limiting him to just 25 appearances, during which he scored 15 goals—far below his previous season’s 0.8 goals-per-game average.
Napoli’s Social Media Troll: A Shattered Relationship
Adding to the chaos was a public rift between Osimhen and the club. Tensions reached a boiling point when Napoli’s official TikTok account posted a troll video mocking Osimhen for missing a penalty. The video sparked outrage among fans and players alike. Even football legend Thierry Henry weighed in, calling the incident “racist” and criticizing the club for mistreating its star player.
Though Napoli issued an apology and the club’s social media manager resigned, the damage was done. Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli had become increasingly strained.
The Contract Extension: A Plot Twist
Despite the turmoil, Osimhen shocked the football world by signing a three-year contract extension with Napoli. His new deal, worth €10 million per year—the highest salary in the club’s history—came with a hefty €130 million release clause. Many speculated that the deal was a strategic move by Napoli to secure a massive transfer fee.
However, Osimhen’s future at Napoli remained uncertain, especially with the arrival of a new manager.
Antonio Conte’s Arrival: Osimhen Frozen Out
In the summer of 2024, Antonio Conte was appointed as Napoli’s new head coach. Conte wasted no time making it clear that Osimhen was not part of his plans. Conte’s desire to reunite with Romelu Lukaku, one of his favorite strikers, left Osimhen out in the cold. Stripped of his number 9 jersey and excluded from the squad, Osimhen was left with no choice but to seek a transfer.
The Transfer Saga: Why Osimhen Couldn’t Secure a Move
Despite being frozen out, Osimhen found it difficult to secure a transfer. There were three key reasons for this:
- A High Price Tag: With a €130 million release clause, Osimhen was simply too expensive for most clubs. His wages, set at €10 million per year, further complicated negotiations. Clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Manchester United had already spent heavily on strikers in recent transfer windows, while others like Barcelona and Real Madrid either couldn’t afford him or had no need for a striker.
- Declining Performance: Osimhen’s form had dipped compared to his Schudetto-winning season. Though still a solid striker, his injury-marred 2023/24 campaign raised doubts about whether he was worth such a hefty price tag.
- Off-Field Issues: Osimhen’s behavior off the pitch also raised eyebrows. His public criticism of Nigeria’s head coach, his social media disputes, and his reaction to being ridiculed by Napoli all contributed to his tarnished image. While not the main reason for his failed transfer, these incidents certainly didn’t help his cause.
Galatasaray: A Temporary Solution
After failed moves to clubs like Chelsea and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, Osimhen was loaned out to Turkish giants Galatasaray in September 2024. The loan deal, set to run until the summer of 2025, includes a break clause in January. Galatasaray agreed to cover €6 million of Osimhen’s salary, with Napoli likely footing the rest of the bill.
What Next for Osimhen?
Now at Galatasaray, Osimhen has a chance to revive his career, playing alongside big names like Dries Mertens, Hakim Ziyech, Michy Batshuayi, and Mauro Icardi. His performance in Turkey will likely determine whether he secures a permanent move away from Napoli.
Napoli, on the other hand, will need to navigate a future without their former talisman. Conte’s decision to freeze out Osimhen could backfire if the club fails to find a suitable replacement, especially given the club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Conclusion: The Highs and Lows of Modern Football
Victor Osimhen’s journey from hero to outcast is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. Just one season ago, he was Napoli’s golden boy, leading the club to glory. Today, he’s a loanee, trying to prove himself once more. Only time will tell whether Osimhen can bounce back from this dramatic fall from grace, but for now, the world watches in anticipation.
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