The 2024 summer transfer window did not quite turn out what Victor Osimhen hoped it would be.
It began with the dream of securing a big-money move from Napoli to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Premier League side Chelsea and could well have seen him join the Saudi Pro League on an even more lucrative deal at some point, but, with all those openings slamming shut and time running out, Osimhen had to settle for a rather underwhelming loan transfer to Turkish outfit Galatasaray.
While he has got off to a decent start thus far in his new environs, the 25-year-old sure would be off to a more permanent and high-profile destination by the end of next year's summer window — and there is a surprising new club, Italian giant Juventus, being touted as a potential destination.
For at least these three reasons, the Bianconeri would be quite the ideal landing spot for the Super Eagles forward.
Giuntoli connection may pave the way for Victor Osimhen
Osimhen joined Napoli in 2020, in a move orchestrated by Cristiano Giuntoli, the club's sporting director at the time.
Giuntoli has since moved on to Juventus, where he now operates as technical director, but the relationship between the two men is still deemed very healthy.
Giuntoli has always held Osimhen in high esteem, and his enduring admiration for the reigning African Player of the Year could possibly give the record Serie A champions the edge in any battle with other contending suitors for the striker's signature, should Juventus’ reported interest in Osimhen eventually prove concrete.
A chance for Osimhen to spite Napoli
It is not an exaggeration to say Osimhen's relationship with Napoli has broken down beyond repair, which is the reason both parties desperately sought a resolution to the summer's transfer impasse.
And although that does not necessarily imply Napoli are eager to sell one of their biggest players to a major rival, regardless of the magnitude of compensation they get in return, it is unlikely Osimhen would have any scruples about negotiating a move that would permanently land him in the Partenopei's bad books.
There are few clubs Napoli hate losing players to more than rivals Juventus, and memories of Gonzalo Higuain crossing that steep divide to join the Turin outfit eight years ago remain fresh in the minds of fans of the Partenopei.
Osimhen heading in that direction probably would not grate on them as much, given he is currently persona non grata at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, yet one suspects Osimhen would still relish the opportunity.
Vlahovic's persistent struggles could open door for Osimhen
Four seasons into his stay at Juventus, Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic has failed to deliver with the consistency that would convince anyone that he is the sort of world-class striker that the team needs to return to the top of the Italian game.
And although new manager Thiago Motta appears willing to afford him a shot to prove his worth, it does feel like Vlahovic is in the last chance saloon, with the former Fiorentina man not having forever to audition for a role that needs immediate filling.
The longer Vlahovic's struggles persist, the likelier it is that Juventus may consider hitting the market to bring in a proven marksman, and they really could do worse than turn to Osimhen — who has scored at a more prolific rate (a goal every 1.75 games) than the Serbian (a goal every other game) during their time together on the peninsula, despite the latter enjoying a two-season headstart.
The 2022/23 Serie A topscorer does, at least on paper, tick all the boxes.
