Victor Osimhen’s transfer from Lille to Napoli in 2020, initially reported as a €70 million deal, has become a subject of intrigue and investigation. Lille President Olivier Letang recently disclosed that the French club received a mere €7 million from the transfer, a stark contrast to the widely publicized figure. This discrepancy stems from the inclusion of four Napoli players in the deal, whose valuations were inflated to €20 million despite their lack of actual worth. This complex financial arrangement raised eyebrows and prompted scrutiny from authorities in both Italy and France, leading to investigations into the transfer’s legitimacy. While Napoli has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the revelation by Letang casts a shadow over the transaction and raises questions about the true nature of the deal.
Osimhen’s journey to becoming a highly sought-after striker is a testament to his talent and resilience. His career began in the humble surroundings of Olusosun, Lagos, where he honed his skills before making a mark on the international stage. His performance at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with a record-breaking 10 goals, propelled him into the spotlight and earned him a move to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. However, his time in Germany proved challenging, and he sought a fresh start in Belgium with Charleroi, where he rediscovered his form and attracted attention from Lille. His prolific goal-scoring for the French club paved the way for his transfer to Napoli, a move that would transform both his career and the fortunes of the Italian club.
The Napoli chapter of Osimhen’s career has been marked by remarkable success, culminating in the club’s historic Serie A title in 2023, ending a 33-year drought. His 76 goals in 133 appearances, including a Serie A Golden Boot, solidified his status as a top striker and cemented his place in the club’s history. He also broke the record for the highest-scoring African player in Serie A, surpassing the legendary George Weah. His contributions to Napoli’s success earned him recognition beyond the club, culminating in his crowning as the 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year.
Despite his achievements in Naples, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. He is currently on loan at Galatasaray, where he continues to impress with his goal-scoring prowess. While he is contracted to Napoli until 2026, clauses in his contract allow for a permanent transfer in either the January or summer transfer windows. The revelations about his transfer fee from Lille add another layer of complexity to his relationship with Napoli, leaving questions about his long-term future with the club.
The initial investigation into the Osimhen transfer involved scrutiny of both Napoli and other clubs, including Juventus. However, Napoli emerged unscathed, with the club and its directors cleared of any wrongdoing by two levels of the Italian justice system. Their lawyer, Mattia Grassani, emphasized Napoli’s clean record, contrasting it with Juventus, who faced point deductions in Serie A due to irregularities in their financial dealings. While Napoli avoided sanctions, the revelations about the actual amount received by Lille from the Osimhen transfer raise ethical questions about the deal’s structure and transparency.
The discrepancy between the reported €70 million fee and the €7 million actually received by Lille raises concerns about the role of intermediaries and inflated player valuations in transfer deals. The inclusion of four Napoli players, deemed worthless by Lille’s president, in the transfer package suggests an attempt to obscure the true nature of the transaction. While the legality of the deal has been established, the ethical implications remain a topic of discussion. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and scrutiny in football transfers to prevent potential financial irregularities and ensure fair market practices.
