Osimhen’s Napoli switch on, more offers arrive for forward – Lille chief
Lille president Gerard Lopez has revealed that they are still receiving offers for Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen amid reports of an imminent switch to Napoli.
The 21-year-old has been one of the most talked-about players in the transfer market, with the Partenopei looking to acquire his services in a deal in the region of €60 – 80 million, as they look to boost the squad tutored by Gennaro Gattuso.
Recently, Osimhen reportedly changed his agent because of the cordial relationship between Lopez and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, and didn’t want anything to stall the move to the San Paolo.
The former Wolfsburg and Charleroi forward netted 18 goals in 38 competitive outings for Lille last campaign.
“The player decided to change agents in the middle of the negotiations. We had to start all over again,” Lopez was quotted as saying to L’Equipe as reported by Le10Sport.
“The player has made his choice, Napoli. Its advanced, details are missing. It will be announced when the time comes. As it’s not yet official, we continue to have other offers. I want to keep good relations with these clubs too.
“So, I manage their expectations. It is a transfer which is not linear. The market in France opened before closing [until August 15]. In Italy, the transfer window opens in September. So, you need a multitude of contracts to cover all eventualities.”
Lopez went on to admit that Osimhen’s departure will force a shakeup in the team’s attack while the club is not known to buy established players, but rather prospects like the Super Eagles forward.
As such, the Spanish businessman believes the club’s strong scouting network will come in handy.
He also insists they have no excuse not to knock oil-rich Paris Saint-Germain off their perch and challenge for the Ligue 1 title, having narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification by just a single point and position.
“His [Osimhen’s imminent] departure in itself, no [is no disaster]. But for the reconstruction of the attack line, yes,” Lopez continued.
“There is an approach led by [Lille sporting director] Luis [Campos] who offers [Lille head coach] Christophe Galtier players.
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“Where some people get it wrong is when we see specific names coming out they think they will necessarily sign. Even if we are interested in a player, it is only in combination with others. It’s more complex than selling a player and then finding a replacement.
“Strength is the system and the quality of our scouting process. We will have no excuse not to fight for the top of the table.
“We don’t have a big budget to look elsewhere. We will remain humble and we will find talent.”