Conte Expresses Regret Over Osimhen Sale Collapse

Antonio Conte, Napoli’s head coach, expressed disappointment with the club’s inability to sell Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window.

After Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Parma, where Romelu Lukaku scored off the bench, Conte hinted that Osimhen’s future at the club could be limited.

On the day of the transfer deadline, Osimhen was about to sign a contract with Chelsea, but the arrangement fell through because of differences in expectations regarding salary. His agreement with Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, also collapsed. The Super Eagles player is in a vulnerable position at Napoli as a result of the failed transfer, especially in light of Lukaku’s predicted major role in the team.

“I’m happy with the work the club did on the market,” Conte said, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. “If there had been the sale of Victor Osimhen, we would have completed the situation… but I’m happy.”

Also Read: Carlo Ancelotti Reveals Reason For Not Signing Victor Osimhen

On the arrival of Lukaku, he said; “What can I say about Romelu. He is a unique centre-forward. Usually the big strikers are a bit slow, or you have to use them as a target in the penalty area, or they don’t have the best legs to exploit the space on the pitch.

“I have always described Lukaku as an American Football Player. He’s 1.90m tall, but very fast. He is a powerful player, we need someone who can hold it up, bring other players in, find combinations, while also being a player who can attack spaces and cause damage.

“That’s why I consider him to be unique. Having already said that he’s a good guy, I would put my hand on an open flame for him, and he knows the responsibility that has for me, for Napoli and for the fans.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli