New Napoli coach says Osimhen not easy to replace

New Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has openly acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead if they have to find a suitable replacement for Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen, should he depart during the summer transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

With only a month remaining before the start of the Serie A season, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has yet to reach an agreement with Osimhen’s representatives regarding a contract extension. It is believed that when Osimhen returns to training on July 19, the matter will be revisited in person, with Garcia present, in an attempt to persuade the 24-year-old to commit his future to the club.

Garcia was quoted by La Repubblica as saying, “Replacing Osimhen would not be an easy task. His presence provides us with greater certainty and serenity as we aim to defend our title.”

According to Italian publications, La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, the French coach has already conveyed to De Laurentiis that he is not keen on selling Osimhen or his strike partner, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, during the summer transfer window.

Given Osimhen’s remarkable performance last season, it comes as no surprise that both Napoli fans and the coach fervently hope that the Nigeria international will remain at the club for the upcoming season.

Osimhen’s impressive tally of 31-goal contributions (26 goals and five assists) from 32 league appearances played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. Additionally, he became the first African to claim the prestigious Capocannoniere award, given to the top scorer in Serie A. Punch