striker Victor Osimhen from their squad list for the 2024/25 Serie A season, handing his number 9 shirt to newly signed Romelu Lukaku.
The development was confirmed by sports journalist Fabrizio Romano on Saturday, August 31, 2023.
According to Romano, Osimhen was absent from Napoli’s official squad list submitted to the league, with Lukaku immediately assigned the number 9 jersey following his move from Chelsea.
Osimhen’s exclusion follows a breakdown in relations with Napoli’s leadership after a failed attempt to leave the club during the summer transfer window.
However, despite negotiations with Chelsea and Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia, Osimhen’s transfer failed to materialise, leaving him contracted to Napoli until 2026 on a €10 million per year deal.
New Napoli manager Antonio Conte has made it clear that Osimhen is not in his plans for the season, and the striker has yet to feature in any matchday squad. Napoli’s next league match will be against Parma at the Stadio Diego Maradona on Saturday, August 31,2024.
