Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says the club made a costly error in their handling of Victor Osimhen’s departure, admitting they missed out on a significantly higher transfer return.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli from Lille OSC in 2020 for €70m, established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards during his time in Italy. The Nigeria international scored 76 goals in 133 appearances and played a central role in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign in 2022-23 — their first in more than 40 years.
His performances alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia attracted widespread interest from leading European clubs, but a move failed to materialise at the time.
Speaking to The Athletic, De Laurentiis revealed that Paris Saint-Germain had offered a combined €200m for Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia in 2024 — Napoli chose not to accept following the arrival of head coach Antonio Conte.
“Conte told me we could sell Osimhen but not Kvaratskhelia,” De Laurentiis said. “That was a big mistake.”
Osimhen instead left on loan to Galatasaray before completing a permanent move reportedly worth around €70m, while Kvaratskhelia was later sold to PSG for a similar fee in January 2025.
The Napoli president acknowledged that accepting PSG’s earlier offer would have generated around €60m more for the club.
De Laurentiis also suggested contractual tensions contributed to the situation, citing difficulties with Kvaratskhelia’s representatives and concerns over FIFA regulations that could have allowed the player to leave for a reduced fee.
Osimhen’s exit followed a turbulent period, with Napoli’s title defence faltering amid managerial instability and off-field controversy. The striker later criticised the club’s handling of his departure.
The 27-year-old has since settled at Galatasaray, where he has rediscovered form, although speculation over a potential move to another European heavyweight continues.
