Untold story of how Osimhen was locked up in hotel room to block potential Liverpool move

A potential move away from Napoli seems increasingly likely for Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen as the end of the season approaches. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League following his standout campaign with Napoli last season....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE

Osimhen’s 25 Serie A goals played a pivotal role in guiding the Naples-based club to their first Scudetto title in 33 years, earning him the prestigious Capocannoniere Award and making him the first African player to achieve this feat.

However, some of the circumstances surrounding his transfer are not widely known to ordinary fans.

According to Giandomenico Costi, an assistant to Napoli’s former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, Osimhen was reportedly confined to a hotel room for three days to prevent incoming Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards from signing him.

Costi described the signing of Osimhen as Giuntoli’s greatest achievement, revealing that despite interest from Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, Giuntoli convinced Osimhen to accept Napoli during the three-day hotel stay.

“The signing of Osimhen is Giuntoli’s biggest masterpiece”, he told Italian outlet Tuttosport.

“He [Osimhen] was locked in a hotel for three days. Giuntoli knew Liverpool were interested, and Jurgen Klopp had made his move, but Cristiano spoke to Osimhen in the hotel for three days until he convinced him to accept Napoli”.

Despite a season marred by injuries, the reigning African Player of the Year has managed to score 15 goals in 23 appearances in the current Serie A campaign for Napoli.

Recent reports suggest that Osimhen’s dream is to play in the Premier League, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United reportedly interested in his signature.

With Edwards set to take over the Reds, Liverpool is said to have renewed their interest in the former Lille striker.

The club sees Osimhen as a solution to their goal-scoring woes, with the Napoli talisman being sought to address the team’s deficiencies in front of goal, which have become evident in recent matches.