Victor Osimhen Controversy Explained

A peculiar situation has surrounded Napoli’s top scorer, Victor Osimhen, due to a since-removed TikTok video released by the club. The Nigerian striker, already in the midst of transfer speculations, finds these rumors magnified after a perceived mocking from the Serie A champions on the social platform.

Let’s break down the controversy, the reactions from Osimhen’s camp, Napoli’s standpoint, and potential implications on the pitch.

The Controversial TikTok Video:
In a recent match against Bologna, which ended in a goalless stalemate, Osimhen seemed to challenge manager Rudi Garcia’s decision when he was subbed out. The star, despite netting three goals in six games this season, had missed a penalty earlier. Napoli, in the controversial video, replayed this miss, overlaying a sped-up voice saying “give me penalty, please” as Osimhen signaled for the ball. The post was quickly taken down, leaving fans in a state of confusion.

Osimhen’s Agent’s Reaction:
In a statement on X, Roberto Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, expressed profound disappointment. He mentioned the possibility of legal action, emphasizing the gravity of the post and how it further aggravated the “media trials and fake news” surrounding Osimhen lately. Notably, Osimhen seems to have deleted most Napoli-centric posts from his Instagram, further fueling the speculations.

Napoli’s Stance:
Although Napoli prominently features Osimhen on their official website, they haven’t provided an official statement regarding the video.

Osimhen’s Future in Napoli:
Undoubtedly, Osimhen’s impressive profile has caught the eyes of major European clubs. With a prolific record last season, scoring 26 times in 52 matches, he’s a coveted asset. His past has seen interest from clubs like Arsenal. However, acquiring him won’t be straightforward. James Horncastle, an expert on Italian football, hints at a significant price tag set by Napoli’s president, possibly surpassing 100m euros and even nearing 150m euros. Clubs with deep pockets like PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea might be potential suitors.

Osimhen’s Contract Details:
Contracted till 2025, Osimhen currently draws a weekly salary of £112,000, as per Pulse Sports. Napoli has reportedly been eager to renegotiate these terms.

For now, with an upcoming match against Udinese, fans and pundits are keen to see if Osimhen takes the field amidst this turmoil.