Osimhen missing from Napoli friendly as PSG transfer rumours intensify

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen did not even make the bench as Napoli played their first pre-season friendly game, lending credence to rumours of a summer transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli took on local side Anaune Val di Non this afternoon as part of their pre-season preparations in the mountains of Dimaro.

Initially, Osimhen was named on the bench, but it quickly emerged he was actually in the stands and a note from the club explained that the striker has been training separately from the squad due to fitness issues and was therefore “not at the disposal” of new Napoli coach Antonio Conte.

Inevitably, this absence is also being linked to ongoing reports of negotiations with PSG for a transfer below the Nigerian’s €130m release clause. Napoli is reportedly hoping to finalise a deal over the next 10 days with PSG and might be tempted to lower the asking price to just over €100m.

Napoli played their first pre-season friendly match under Conte, securing a 4-0 victory with goals from Leonardo Spinazzola, Walid Cheddira, Gianluca Gaetano, and Cyril Ngonge. Despite Osimhen's absence, the team experimented with two tactical systems, showcasing their depth and adaptability.

Conte initially fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation with new signings Rafa Marin and Spinazzola in the starting XI. Spinazzola opened the scoring by cutting in from the right flank. An entirely different XI emerged for the second half in a 3-4-3 shape.

Cheddira earned and converted a penalty before setting up Gaetano for the third goal. Ngonge completed the 4-0 rout with a solo run in the 73rd minute. Additionally, Leo Ostigard’s header was kept out by a goal-line clearance, and Gaetano saw another goal disallowed for a foul.