Victor Osimhen is considered one of the best strikers in world football right now. He might have signed a contract extension with Napoli not too long ago, but there is believed to be a release clause in that deal which will become active in the summer. Could Real Madrid, who do not have a world-class number 9 right now, be his next destination?
Osimhen inspired Napoli to the Serie A title last season. It was a triumph not many saw coming and the club's first since Diego Maradona's time in Naples.
There has been constant speculation around the future of Osimhen since then though. And following Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis' recent comments, the striker's exit looks inevitable. Real Madrid have been named as a possible destination.
As reported by ESPN, De Laurentiis said about the situation of Osimhen:
"We knew that since last summer.
"That's why the contract negotiations were so drawn out and amicable... but we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG or to a English team."
Osimhen decision confirmed amid Real Madrid links
The release clause in Osimhen's contract, which will become active next summer, is rumoured to be around €130 million. That is a significant figure for sure but considering modern day football, that is not an extraordinary fee for a striker considered to be one of the best in Europe.
The transfer fee is not the biggest point of discussion when it comes to the Napoli striker. There are other aspects Real Madrid should be worried about when it comes to a potential move for Osimhen.
Firstly, he is not the most polished or consistent finisher in the world and does tend to miss good chances. Secondly, he is not the most technical either. So, if fans are expecting a like-for-like replacement for Karim Benzema, Osimhen would not be that player.
It is also worth considering that he has scored more than 20 goals in a season only once in his career. So, Osimhen does not have the proven track record of someone like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.