'I expect you'll be able to table N409b' - Napoli chief sarcastically demands world-record fee for Osimhen

Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis is demanding a world-record fee of 500 million euros (approximately N409 billion in Nigerian currency) from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal to part company with Victor Osimhem. 

Brazil superstar Nyemar became the most expensive acquisition in history in August 2017 when he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in exchange for 222 million euros.

Al Hilal were among the teams interested in signing Osimhen in the summer transfer window, making two bids between 100 and 150 million euros which were rejected by the Italian champions.

The Nigeria national teamer was also courted by powerful European clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain but the quartet were all priced out of a deal.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG finally recruited Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Kane and Randal Kolo Muani respectively. 

Aurelio De Laurentiis did not have the intention of selling Osimhen in the summer transfer window and is also not thinking of doing so when the transfer market reopens in 2024.

According to L'Equipe, in an email response to Al Hilal, De Laurentiis told Al Hilal's representatives: "Your bid can only buy one of Osimhen’s foot.

"For next year, I expect you’ll be able to table €500m and maybe we’ll entertain your offer, but I say again, ‘maybe'”

Osimhen, top scorer in the Serie A for 2022-2023, has picked up where he left off last season, having netted three goals in his first three matches.

Igho Kingsley 

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