Conte Freezes Out Osimhen! Nigerian Striker Reportedly Demoted to Youth Team Ahead of New Season
Victor Osimhen’s return to Napoli is shaping up to be far from a warm welcome, as fresh reports suggest the Nigerian striker may be sidelined from first-team plans under manager Antonio Conte.
According to a NewsVista reporter, Osimhen’s successful loan spell with Turkish giants Galatasaray officially concluded on July 1, 2025. During his time in Turkey, the Super Eagles forward made headlines by helping the club secure both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Ziraat Turkish Cup, scoring an impressive 37 goals and providing eight assists.
Now set to return to Italy, Osimhen is expected back at Napoli’s training base for routine medical tests starting July 14, as part of pre-season preparations. The club has scheduled initial medicals for July 14–15, followed by training in Dimaro from July 17 to 27. But the question on everyone’s lips is — will Osimhen even be part of Conte’s plans?
Demoted to Youth Team?
While the striker remains under contract with Napoli, sources reveal that Osimhen won’t be rejoining the first team anytime soon. Reports obtained by NewsVista indicate that the 26-year-old forward will be training with the youth team instead — a clear message from Conte that Osimhen’s time at the club is nearing its end.
He is reportedly excluded from tactical meetings and team strategy sessions, fueling speculation that Napoli is preparing for life without him. This isn’t the first time the club has frozen him out; a similar pattern emerged last summer when Osimhen opted out of pre-season matches, hoping to secure a move away.
Transfer Talks Still Ongoing
Osimhen, currently vacationing in Nigeria, has remained tight-lipped on his next destination. He is reportedly weighing offers from Galatasaray and Saudi side Al-Hilal, with the latter putting a staggering €45 million-per-season deal on the table — a deal he has already turned down once.
Despite the noise, the striker appears unbothered, choosing instead to unwind at home, even showing off a brand-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan while enjoying time with friends and family.
Conte Expresses Regret
Interestingly, Napoli manager Antonio Conte has previously expressed regret over the missed opportunity to work with Osimhen. Speaking last season, he admitted that unresolved issues surrounding the striker affected the team’s preparation.
“Some issues blocked it; perhaps if we had unlocked that [Osimhen] situation, we would have completed the team differently and earlier. I’m sorry about what happened. I’m sorry for Osimhen,” Conte said in quotes shared by Cult of Calcio.
What’s Next for Osimhen?
With his future in Naples all but sealed, the question now is where Victor Osimhen will land next. While the Nigerian star seems calm on the surface, insiders suggest that being frozen out of first-team activities could accelerate his exit from the club — especially with European and Middle Eastern giants circling.
Whether Osimhen joins Galatasaray permanently or takes on a new challenge elsewhere, one thing is certain: Napoli fans might not see him in blue again.