Claims that Victor Osimhen has been demoted to Napoli’s youth team have been making the rounds on social media, NaijNaira can report.
When the story first surfaced, it suggested Osimhen had been dropped from Napoli’s first-team plans under new manager Antonio Conte.
Online reactions were swift, with fans expressing concern over a supposed fallout between the Nigerian forward and the Italian coach.
Osimhen recently wrapped up a standout loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and added six assists.
Some reports alleged that Conte had excluded the 26-year-old striker from his preseason plans, fueling speculation of a rift.
Adding to the drama, Al Hilal remains the only club to have activated his €75 million release clause — an offer Osimhen reportedly turned down.
Despite the online noise, Napoli-based journalist Vincenzo Credendino shut down the demotion rumors.
“He will never join the youth team — never,” Credendino told Soccernet.ng.
He noted that while Osimhen may start preseason separately, it’s not linked to any disciplinary or technical decision.
The forward is scheduled for preseason medicals on July 14 or 15, with full-team training set to begin in Dimaro from July 17.
Napoli will then move to Castel di Sangro for their second phase of preparations, starting July 30.
Osimhen’s future at Napoli remains unclear, but insiders confirm there’s no internal directive to sideline him from senior activities.
Unless another club meets Napoli’s financial demands, Osimhen will remain part of the squad heading into the 2025/26 season.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
