Napoli may be regretting their decision to retain Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia last summer, as the club now faces significant financial losses due to a decline in the players’ market values.
The Serie A champions of 2023 opted to hold onto their star duo during the 2024 summer transfer window, turning down a reported €200 million (₦319 billion) package deal from Paris Saint Germain. Napoli had hoped to either rebuild their squad around the pair to secure a more lucrative deal by selling Osimhen.
However, this strategy has backfired. Osimhen who openly expressed his desire to leave, was excluded from preseason matches and eventually joined Galatasaray on loan.
Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia, despite efforts from manager Antonio Conte to retain him, is reportedly closer to an exit . PSG, once willing to pay a premium, now values Kvaratskhelia at just €55 million, while Osimhen’s price has dropped to €75 million.
The potential combined revenue of 130 million (₦207 billion) for the duo represents a €70 million (₦112 billion) shortfall compared to the initial summer offer.
Conte acknowledged his struggles to persuade Kvaratskhelia to stay, telling DAZN, “I take responsibility for my actions. Maybe I was a little presumptuous, thinking I could have a stronger impact. It’s a pity because Kvara is a great player, but we have to accept reality.”
Napoli’a struggles extend beyond these transfer challenges. The departure of Luciano Spalleti and a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Serie A have left the club without European football, further exacerbating their financial difficulties.
The loss of €70 million adds pressure to an already challenging rebuild. Whether Napoli can recover from this setback remains uncertain, but the missteps of the past summer may have far-reaching consequences for the club’s future.
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