Napoli manager Antonio Conte has surprisingly left the door open for Victor Osimhen’s return to the club following their stunning Serie A title win.
The Nigerian forward, who was sent on loan to Galatasaray last summer after a tense fallout with Napoli’s hierarchy, had seemed to have played his last game in the Azzurri shirt.
However, Conte’s recent comments suggest that all may not be lost between the Super Eagles forward and the newly crowned Serie A champions.
Napoli’s fourth league title and second in three years came without Osimhen, as Romelu Lukaku filled the attacking void with devastating effect.
Yet, with the Partenopei set to feature in next season’s UEFA Champions League and needing a strong squad to compete on all fronts, Conte is seemingly reconsidering the exile of the 26-year-old striker, Punch reports.
“You have to live in the present… the people want to win and are ambitious. I’m open to everything, but we need to see where we are,” said Conte.
Osimhen’s loan spell proves his worth
Despite being snubbed by Napoli last season, Osimhen thrived in Turkey.
On loan at Galatasaray, the Nigerian forward scored 36 goals in all competitions and helped the club lift both the Turkish Super Lig and the Turkish Cup, Transfermarkt reports.
Victor Osimhen vs Romelu Lukaku at Napoli when they won the league:
🇳🇬 Osimhen (2022/23)
🏟️ 39 games | ⚽️ 31 goals | 🎯 5 assists🇧🇪 Lukaku (2024/25)
🏟️ 38 games | ⚽️ 14 goals | 🎯 11 assists pic.twitter.com/V5pUVPj05K— SportPremi (@SportPremi) May 24, 2025
His form has reignited interest from major clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, and Saudi giants Al Hilal.
Many had tipped Osimhen to make a permanent move away from Italy after his loan stint, but Conte’s U-turn may change the trajectory of his career.
Osimhen’s ability to consistently deliver goals could prove too valuable to let go, especially as Napoli prepares for a more challenging campaign next season.
