Man Utd, Real Madrid left in limbo as Victor Osimhen opens up on Napoli future after Golden Boot award
Napoli star Victor Osimhen insists he is unconcerned about his future amid links to Manchester United and will let the club decide his fate.
The 24-year-old has become one of the hottest properties in European football after a superb season with I Partenopei. The Nigeria international bagged 26 goals as Napoli romped to the Serie A title. They finished 16 points clear of Lazio, with Champions League finalists Inter Milan another two points adrift.
It was Napoli’s first Italian title since 1989-90 when the late great Diego Maradona was wearing light blue.
Osimhen played a major part in their success, with 31 goals from 39 appearances in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly, a few top clubs have begun to circle. The African’s name has rarely been out of the headlines during the past few weeks.
Both United and Spanish giants Real Madrid have been linked, while Newcastle were also mentioned in connection with the striker.
A transfer fee in the region of £130m has been mooted although it is unlikely that figure will be reached.
He added another goal in Napoli’s 2-0 final-game triumph over Sampdoria on Sunday.
The Lagos-born ace was then awarded the ‘Capocannoniere’ for scoring the most Serie A goals this season.
And, asked about his future, he suggested it is a decision to be made by Aurelio De Laurentiis.
“I don’t know, the President has to decide that,” he told DAZN. “I love the people of Napoli, they have shown me so much love.
“For me, I don’t mind, the president decides and I will just go with the flow.
“I appreciate the Neapolitans a lot, they deserve this and hopefully we’ll have many more trophies to come.”
Osimhen has much more to give
Osimhen’s achievements drove Napoli to an unlikely Serie A triumph. However, they might struggle to replicate that success next term as manager Luciano Spalletti is taking a year-long sabbatical.
Whether that has any influence on where the former Lille star plies his trade in 2023-24 only time will tell.
But it is clear that he wants even more success in the coming 12 months.
“I am grateful to God for this season, for my team-mates, my family, for the Neapolitans and they deserve all of this,” he added. “This season has been brilliant for me, my team-mates and the Neapolitans.
“I think I’ve done so well this season and deserve every good thing I’ve got, but I feel motivated to do even more next season.”
Manchester United are in the market for a new frontman to help Marcus Rashford. But Karim Benzema’s Bernabeu exit means Carlo Ancelotti is also after striking reinforcements.
Osimhen is high on the duo’s list of priorities but his laid-back approach and loyalty means a transfer is by no means assured.
“Everything is possible,” he continued. “Just like when we started the season, lots of people didn’t believe in Napoli.
“If the president says we can win it, I believe it, everything is possible.”
READ MORE: Everton transfers: Sean Dyche risks wrath of fans as he sets sights on star surplus to requirements at Man Utd
The article Man Utd, Real Madrid left in limbo as Victor Osimhen opens up on Napoli future after Golden Boot award appeared first on Teamtalk.com.