Naples Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has dramatically revealed the club have signed Nigeria international Victor Osimhen in 2020 after Erling Haaland rejected the Partenopei to join Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old joined Napoli for €75 million in September 2020, a month after Haaland left for Borussia Dortmund.
Giuntoli says the Norwegian international is his “biggest regret”.
“The contract with Salzburg was already made; we would pay his €25 million release clause. He and Osimhen were our priorities and when Haaland opted for Borussia Dortmund, we went for Victor. For us, they were at the same level,” he told Il Corriere Dello Sport.
The Partenopei are Serie A leaders, the only unbeaten team in Italy’s top flight, and are eight points clear of second-placed Milan.
Osimhen has been Napoli’s best player and perhaps one of the best in Serie A this season, with the Nigerian striker scoring nine goals with three assists in 11 league games for the Napoli side.
The Partenopei have enjoyed impressive results in Italy and Europe despite selling some of their best players last summer, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne and Fabian Ruiz.
What is the secret of Napoli’s success this term?
“Commitment, competence and courage of ownership that have proven their worth over the past 18 years,” added Giuntoli.
“Covid forced us to change, because the wage bill was not sustainable and the situation almost restored financial resources.
“Despite Covid, De Laurentiis invested in signing Osimh, but we had to take drastic decisions and open a new cycle.”
Giuntoli has been at the club for almost 10 years and has at times had a tense relationship with president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
“I cannot deny that there have been some misunderstandings, but it is understandable in a relationship that has been going on for 10 years,” he admitted.
“Maybe he didn’t like my attitude at some point and thought I had some technical choices wrong.
“I consider De Laurentiis a manager with an extraordinary vision. Disagreements disappeared quickly and we began to talk, choosing a new path and creating a familiar relationship.’
The most outstanding signing of the summer was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined Partenopei for 10 million euros.
