Real Madrid host Napoli and Victor Osimhen on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League in a match that could change many things for all parties.
Osimhen will be looking to add to his six goals so far this season after bagging an assist on his return to action against Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta in Serie A.
The 24-year-old striker has the opportunity to secure his future with a masterclass against the Spanish Giants. That opportunity also extends itself to Napoli's qualification chances in Europe's elite competition and the club will need to do everything to get him firing on Wednesday.
That’s the mentality! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/OQXR45jJfB
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) November 25, 2023
Osimhen masterclass could kill two birds with one stone
At the weekend, Osimhen returned to action after a month on the sidelines thanks to an injury he picked up while on international duty with the Super Eagles.
At that time, the football world was fed with various bits of Osimhen transfer news linking the player to the Premier League and other clubs.
His weekend return showed the Partenopei fans what they were missing, as he immediately impacted the game by creating the chance that led to their tie-breaker goal to win the game against his fellow Nigeria national football team player, Lookman, and his Atalanta side.
His next challenge is to take on Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He was a thorn in the side of the Spanish side's defence last time out but he was dealt with well enough to prevent him from influencing the game. Madrid also took all three points from Napoli that night.
The former VfL Wolfsburg striker will be looking to have his revenge on Wednesday. If successful, the counter on Victor Osimhen goals this season will resume which will also directly impact the club's chances of progressing to the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Victor Osimhen is up as Best Men’s Player Nominee 2023. 👇🏿
Vote here: https://t.co/44GtErhczk pic.twitter.com/GXA4UNfgRD
— Rinu Oduala 🔥🔫 (@SavvyRinu) November 25, 2023
It will also help Napoli in the negotiation room as any player who can stick it to the 14-time Champions League winners will be highly valued.
The club is already dealing with immense pressure to sell Osimhen amidst their attempts to keep him. The player is also believed to be leaning towards moving on and a masterclass against Madrid means Napoli can ask for a higher price.
Todd Boehly to watch Real Madrid vs Napoli closely as Osimhen remains key January target
One of the main suitors for Osimhen is Chelsea, led by Todd Boehly. Reports indicate that the player is now their primary target for January after their latest issues in front of goal.
Reports in the not-so-distant past claimed that they were willing to forego their pursuit of the eighth-ranked Ballon d'Or best player of 2023 but their current woes have returned him to the top of their priority list.
🚨 Chelsea are set to make Napoli's Victor Osimhen their prime target in January, with the 24-year-old open to a move to Stamford Bridge.
(Source: Telegraph) pic.twitter.com/PoODdVJijT
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 27, 2023
Osimhen is already valued at between £120 million and £150 million. Napoli would prefer not to let him go in January as well, especially with an opportunity to return to the pinnacle of Serie A after Rudi Garcia's sacking.
However, the bad blood from their well-publicised social media incident and the president's careless comments could lead the club to budge when the offers from Chelsea and other clubs start rolling in come January.
Boehly and co will be watching that match closely to make a final decision on whether to pursue Osimhen in January. Napoli, on the other hand, will hope that the former LOSC Lille man can do well enough for them to demand a high sum from Chelsea and other suitors.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
