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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen failed to find a deal by midnight Friday when the transfer window closed because he reportedly turned down a transfer to Chelsea after Al Ahli withdrew their interest.
This was due to a significant wage dispute, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Premier League club is said to have offered the Nigerian international a €4 million annual salary, with an additional €4 million in performance-related bonuses, which fell far short of his current €10 million per season at Napoli.
PeakNews Online sources indicate that Osimhen found Chelsea’s offer insulting, particularly given the club’s recent struggle to qualify for European competitions.
The proposed bonuses were tied to the club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League and Osimhen’s performance in terms of goals and appearances.
Despite hopes of a lucrative transfer in the final hours of the window, negotiations between Napoli and two interested clubs failed to reach an agreement. Osimhen is reportedly frustrated with Napoli for not accepting an €80 million offer from Al-Ahli, which included a €40 million per season salary and a release clause. The deal collapsed after Napoli demanded an additional €5 million in add-ons.
With the transfer window closed, Osimhen faces an uncertain future as Napoli reportedly plans to exclude him from the squad, forcing him to train separately. The club’s only remaining option is a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, whose transfer window remains open until September 2.
