Ligue 1 side Lille earned a net sum of just €7 million from Victor Osimhen’s headline-making transfer to Napoli in 2020, despite the deal being valued at over €70 million. This revelation, made by Lille President Olivier Létang, has reignited scrutiny over the financial complexities and transparency of high-profile football transfers.
Speaking to L’Equipe TV, Létang disclosed that while Osimhen’s move appeared lucrative on paper, the true financial outcome for Lille was significantly diminished due to intermediaries, commissions, and the inclusion of four Napoli players who never featured for the French side.
“The net amount, considering the player’s purchase, four players valued at €20m but who were worth nothing, intermediaries, and commissions, was €7m, more or less,” Létang stated.
The deal, which has been under investigation in both France and Italy, raised questions about its actual valuation and structure. The inclusion of the four players—a component of the transfer purportedly worth €20 million—has been particularly contentious given that none of them contributed to Lille’s squad. However, Napoli have consistently maintained their innocence in the matter, and Italian authorities have cleared the club of any wrongdoing.
Mattia Grassani, Napoli’s legal representative, reaffirmed the club’s clean record last year, highlighting the decisions of Italy’s judicial system. “Napoli have already been judged on this matter with two different levels of the justice system that cleared the club and directors, finding no irregularities,” Grassani explained. He also pointed out that Napoli avoided the severe penalties faced by Juventus, who were docked points for financial misconduct.
Létang, who assumed Lille’s presidency months after Osimhen’s departure, shed light on the hidden intricacies of the deal, bringing renewed attention to the transfer. The Nigerian striker’s move to Napoli was initially hailed as a turning point in his career, propelling him into the spotlight of European football and cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest talents.
Osimhen’s journey began in Lagos’s Olusosun community, where he honed his skills in challenging conditions. His breakthrough came at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he showcased his potential by winning the Golden Boot with a record-breaking 10 goals. That performance earned him a move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. However, his time in Germany proved difficult, leading him to Belgium’s Charleroi, where he revived his career with a series of impressive performances.
In 2019, Osimhen joined Lille and quickly made an impact, scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. His exploits caught the attention of Napoli, leading to the record-breaking transfer to Italy. While Lille’s financial return from the deal may have been underwhelming, Osimhen’s move to Napoli proved transformative for both player and club.
The 25-year-old striker became a talisman for Napoli, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances and playing a pivotal role in the club’s historic Serie A title triumph in 2023. Napoli’s Scudetto win ended a 33-year drought, and Osimhen’s contributions were instrumental to that success. His remarkable form also earned him the Serie A Golden Boot and saw him surpass George Weah’s record to become the highest-scoring African player in the Italian top flight.
In 2023, Osimhen’s achievements were recognized when he was named CAF African Footballer of the Year, cementing his position as one of Africa’s finest football exports. Currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen has maintained his prolific scoring form, netting 10 goals and providing five assists in just 14 appearances.
Despite being contracted to Napoli until 2026, the striker’s future remains uncertain. His contract reportedly includes clauses that could facilitate a permanent departure as early as January or the summer transfer window. This uncertainty reflects a complex relationship between Osimhen and the Italian club, marked by both triumphs and underlying tensions.
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