Sebastiano Vernazza, an Italian journalist, has provided an explanation as to why Napoli should not reduce their asking price for Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, amid rumors of the striker’s potential departure from the club in the summer, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly set Osimhen’s price tag at €180 million, and Gazzetta highlights that this demand is reasonable considering the investments made by Saudi Arabia’s PIF in football, including the acquisition of Sandro Tonali.
Osimhen emerged as Serie A’s top scorer (Capocannoniere) in the 2022/23 season, netting 26 goals in 32 appearances and playing a crucial role in Napoli’s first Scudetto triumph in 33 years.
While Napoli is interested in extending Osimhen’s contract, several top European clubs, notably Liverpool and Bayern Munich, have expressed interest in the Nigerian international, as confirmed by Gazzetta.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool is one of several clubs eager to secure Osimhen’s services this summer and may submit an offer in the coming days. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also strongly linked with the Nigerian striker, whom Napoli values at around £130 million.
Vernazza, in his Wednesday article, stated that Napoli’s demand is “legitimate” considering the significant investments made by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, which controls Newcastle United and the Saudi Pro League. He pointed out that they are willing to pay €80 million for Tonali and offer €200 million per season to Cristiano Ronaldo. In light of this, Vernazza questioned why Osimhen should not be valued at €180 million.
The journalist acknowledged that the Saudi “bubble will explode sooner or later,” but until then, it is reasonable for Aurelio De Laurentiis (ADL) to maintain a high price tag for Osimhen, especially considering Napoli’s financial stability and lack of urgency to sell.
Vernazza concluded by suggesting that someone may eventually meet Napoli’s asking price, mentioning potential suitors such as Arabian clubs, Real Madrid, PSG, and Premier League teams, who possess the financial means to meet ADL’s demands.
