Football

Conte firmly rules out Osimhen's return to Napoli squad

Napoli's head coach, Antonio Conte, has categorically ruled out the possibility of forward Victor Osimhen rejoining the team's roster.

"I’m sorry about what happened. I’m sorry for Osimhen. I’m sorry for the club that didn’t monetize. I am sorry for myself because we didn’t complete the team as we wanted, but the club proved to be consistent in this situation

No player will be reintegrated. Those who are out of the project will remain out. We have made our decision and will continue to work together in one direction," Conte's words were reported by Football Italia.

Previously, Napoli excluded Victor Osimhen from their Serie A squad for the season and assigned his number 9 jersey to the team's new arrival, Romelu Lukaku. During the closing days of the transfer window, the Neapolitan club was in talks for the Nigerian forward's transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli and London club Chelsea, but the deal did not materialize.

Osimhen has been with Napoli since 2020. Last season, the 25-year-old forward scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances for the Partenopei.

The Nigerian's contract with the Italian club runs until the summer of 2026. Transfermarkt values the player at €100 million.