Napoli’s forward, Victor Osimhen, has caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain as they compile their list of potential transfers following Kylian Mbappe’s announcement of his departure plans for this summer.
With Mbappe’s contract expiring in June 2024, he is poised to depart Parc des Princes as a free agent after the current season concludes. Osimhen, the 24-year-old Nigerian international, has emerged as a primary candidate to fill Mbappe’s shoes at PSG, with the club considering a transfer move in the upcoming summer window.
Osimhen made his move to Napoli from Lille in 2020 and has since showcased his prowess, tallying 67 goals in 119 appearances for the Italian side. His impactful performance played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, during which he scored 26 goals in 32 league matches.
Read More: Luka Modric to Leave Real Madrid? Club Reportedly Thinking of A Deserving Farewell
Wolfsburg to Napoli: Victor Osimhen’s Meteoric Rise in European Football
Osimhen’s professional journey commenced at German side Wolfsburg, followed by a loan spell at Belgian club Charleroi during the 2018-2019 season. He then secured a permanent transfer to Lille for the subsequent season, where he netted an impressive 18 goals in his sole campaign before his record-breaking move to Napoli.
His transfer to Napoli set a club record fee of €70 million, potentially reaching €80 million with additional clauses. Notably, Luis Campos, currently serving as a football advisor at PSG and involved in the club’s transfer operations, was instrumental in signing Osimhen for Lille.
Aurelio de Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, has a history of approving transfers involving PSG, including the departures of Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi to PSG, and the transfer of midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Napoli to the French capital in 2022.
Despite PSG’s considerable depth in attacking positions, bolstered by signings such as strikers Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani, as well as wide forwards Ousmane Dembele and Marco Asensio from Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, with Bradley Barcola also joining from Lyon.
PSG Eyes Barcelona’s Gavi as a Summer Transfer Target
Paris Saint-Germain has set its sights on Barcelona’s young midfielder, Gavi, as a potential summer transfer target.
Gavi, aged 19, has long been on the radar of the Ligue 1 champions, who have now included him on their list of potential transfers following Kylian Mbappe’s announcement of his intention to depart this summer.
According to The Athletic’s report on Thursday, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also a significant part of PSG’s summer transfer strategy as they prepare for Mbappe’s exit.
Gavi, known for his combative style in midfield, has earned admiration from PSG’s head coach, Luis Enrique, who gave him his senior debut for Spain at the age of 17, as well as from club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Despite Barcelona considering Gavi as an ‘unsellable’ asset, the club’s financial challenges complicate matters, leaving uncertainty regarding the player’s willingness to leave the Catalan club.
Gavi: Rising from La Masia to Barcelona Stardom despite Injury Setback
Gavi, a devout supporter of Barcelona since childhood, has been assured a prominent role within the club’s first-team squad. However, his involvement in the remainder of the 2023-24 season and the upcoming European Championship for Spain is in doubt after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in November.
Despite this setback, Gavi has already made significant contributions, featuring in 15 matches for Barcelona this season in both La Liga and the Champions League. He has also been a regular starter for the Spanish national team.
Having emerged as a key player for both Barcelona and Spain, Gavi boasts an impressive record of 111 senior appearances for Barcelona and 27 for Spain.
Hailing from the Seville province of Spain, Gavi was signed by Barcelona at the age of 11 from the youth system of Real Betis. Since making his first-team debut for Barcelona in August 2021, he has accumulated 70 La Liga appearances over his initial two seasons with the senior squad.
Gavi’s contract with Barcelona extends until 2026 and includes a staggering €1 billion release clause, underscoring the club’s commitment to retaining his services.
