Oscar Damiani, an expert in French football and an intermediary, has expressed concerns about Napoli's continued status as a top club should Victor Osimhen leave the club.
Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the summer.
The 25-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Napoli's triumph in the 2022/23 Serie A season, helping them secure their first Scudetto in 33 years by scoring 26 goals, has recently been linked with several European elite clubs. Among them are Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint- Germain (PSG), and Manchester United.
With a buyout clause of €130 million and a reported annual salary of €13 million, it will take a club with strong financial wherewithal to whisk away Napoli's prized asset.
French giants PSG and English outfit Chelsea are reportedly keen on meeting Napoli's demands as well as the Nigerian international's personal demands.
With Francesco Calzona set to depart Napoli after the season, Damian believes Napoli will have to dig deep into their pockets to be able to attract a top coach especially with Osimhen leaving.
Osimhen's imminent departure threatens Antonio Conte's Napoli move, says Damian
As Calzona prepares to depart Napoli after the season, speculation abounds regarding who might succeed him. Italian legend Antonio Conte is a top contender among Napoli faithful to succeed Calzona.
Against this backdrop, opinions are divided, and Damian weighs in on this interesting development.
“Conte and De Laurentiis? They are two intelligent people, they would understand each other well,” remarked Damian on Radio Punto Nuovo, stressing on the potential partnership between Conte and Napoli's president.
“De Laurentiis knows how to behave with great managers; he would have no problems. I would see Conte well at Napoli; he would be truly ideal. The obstacle is to convince him with the transfer market: a team that loses Osimhen and takes David already has something less. At that point, you have to convince him with a contract worth 10 million euros per season; otherwise, it will be difficult to bring someone like Conte to Maradona.”
Damian evaluates Napoli's striker options: David a Fit, but Osimhen Irreplaceable
The Serie A side views Lille striker Jonathan David as the ideal successor to Osimhen, as reported in the Italian media.
The 24-year-old Canadian international, reportedly stands atop the list of potential replacements, having signaled his openness to join Napoli following constructive discussions with his representatives.
Lille, the Ligue 1 club, seeks a €50 million transfer fee to release their leading goal scorer, who has notched 16 goals in 28 league appearances.
“David is a footballer with similar characteristics to Osimhen, albeit less physical,” said Damian, offering insights into David's potential fit at Napoli.
“He is fast, good at heading, and scores goals, then he plays a lot with the team. In Ligue 1, he is doing very well and can also do very well in Serie A, if he adapts to the tactical football of the Italians. Osimhen, however, is irreplaceable: only play can give something more to the team, but individually you can't find anyone else like him.”
Interestingly, It is worth mentioning that Osimhen has at a point in his career played in Ligue 1. He joined Lille in 2019 on a five-year deal, with the transfer fee reported to be €12 million plus an additional €3 million in various bonuses and add-ons.
Damian speculates on Osimhen's potential move to PSG: Paris among few suitors with financial muscle
With swirling reports linking the 25-year-old to PSG, speculation has intensified about the potential transfer of the Napoli striker to the French giants. Damian has also weighed in on the matter.
“I don't know now if Osimhen will be Mbappé's heir; the PSG managers didn't tell me anything,” Damian said, adding a touch of humour to the discussion.
“However, there aren't many teams that can afford it, so it's clear that Paris is among the few candidates that would have the ability to purchase him.”
