Napoli have dismissed claims that relations with star striker Victor Osimhen have turned “frosty” after contract talks broke down without resolution.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis had revealed discussions over an extension to the 24-year-old Nigeria international’s current deal, which runs until the summer of 2025, had reached a standstill, prompting suggestions of a breakdown in the relationship between club and player.
Osimhen, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all touted as potential suitors, has found himself in the headlines in recent weeks after a video posted on the club’s official TikTok account appeared to mock him, while he was also involved in a public spat with manager Rudi Garcia, for which he has since apologised.
Comunicato Stampa
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli)
However, a statement issued on Napoli’s official website on Friday said: “SSC Napoli would like to clarify recent comments made by president Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding Victor Osimhen, given that his words have been distorted by certain media publications.
“President De Laurentiis did not say anything negative about Victor. He simply stated that after a series of lengthy contract negotiations which ended with the parties shaking hands and agreeing to continue together, Victor had second thoughts.
“President De Laurentiis hopes this is merely a pause for reflection. Over the coming weeks, when Victor will not be able to play as he recovers from injury, the president, Osimhen and his agent Roberto Calenda will sit down calmly to discuss the future.
“Describing relations between Osimhen and Napoli as ‘frosty’ is entirely out of place.”
Osimhen is currently recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during Nigeria’s 2-2 friendly draw with Saudi Arabia in Portugal last Friday and is facing several weeks on the sidelines.
He will therefore play no part in Saturday’s trip to Verona – Frank Anguissa and Juan Jesus are also in the treatment room – as Garcia’s men attempt to bounce back from successive home defeats by Real Madrid in the Champions League and Fiorentina in Serie A.
Victory at the Stadio Bentegodi would steady the ship for the side currently sitting in fifth place in the table ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League visit to Union Berlin.
Verona are without a win in six league outings and have collected only two points along the way, and boss Marco Baroni knows they will have to be at their very best to take anything from the reigning champions.
Baroni told a press conference: “Tomorrow we’ll face the reigning champions. In general I always believe in what we do: in order to reach our goal we need everyone. The more we are solid as a group, the faster we’ll improve.
“Napoli is a really tough side to face. We’ll have to give it all both as individuals and as a team, we can’t do differently. Then we’ll see the final response on the field.”
