General Director of Lille football club of France, Marc Ingla has confirmed the imminent departure of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to Serie A side Napoli.
The Edo born striker has been heavily linked with a move to Italy following his performances in his debut season with Lille where he won the Marc-Vivien Foe award for Best African player of the year in Ligue one.
Osimhen hit the limelight at the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards to help Nigeria win the title.
After his initial fear of racism in Italy, Osimhen has now made up his mind to join Napoli in an €81 million deal that will make him the most expensive Nigerian player in history.
If the transfer is successful, the forward would earn seven times more than what he currently earns at Lille.
Lille General Director Ingla, has now confirmed Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli has reached the final stage.
“We are in the last stage [of discussions]. The player has made his choice. It is a regret to see him leave but we must be aware of the strength of the market,” Ingla said.
“We do not hide our economic model. We must not only consider the amount of the transfer but also the salary that is offered to the player.
“We are not a final destination. With us, players thrive. We use their talent but we also build their careers. We are also in this process. It is the life of a club and the market. For him and his family, this can be an exceptional opportunity.”
