The star striker will be on the market this summer, and Paris would seem to be his ideal new home
So, here come the evil empire. PSG, the big spenders, fiscal bullies, a state-owned blank-cheque of a club, are back in the market. Only this time, there's something more sinister about their spending. In year's past, there was comfort on the continent in their scattergun approach. In came Lionel Messi, who reluctantly arrived because he had nowhere else to go. So too Neymar, whose Ballon d'Or ambitions were soon squashed by his fragile ankles and fondness for the spotlight. Even Kylian Mbappe, the great Parisian hope, couldn't bring about sustainability – such is his pining for a certain Spanish club.
This iteration of the Parisians, though, is more fine-tuned. They still throw their money around – but do so with purpose. Think a Galactico approach, but with a semi-competent footballing structure to back it all up. And now, they have a hole to fill. Mbappe will finally make his exit this summer, his role in the side already being shrunk by a no-nonsense Luis Enrique. There are internal options available. Still, everything would seem to point towards a big money signing, the kind of audacious yet razor-sharp acquisition to reassert Parisian relevance in the European market.
Victor Osimhen, it appears, is that man. Set to leave Napoli in the summer, the Nigerian striker has done all he can in Campania. A new iteration of one of the world's brightest talents is imminent. And PSG, uncharacteristically, might just provide the perfect platform for a player whose star is only set to grow.
Getty ImagesA confusing season in Naples
Last season, Osimhen had a fair claim to the admittedly social-media-skewed title of "best striker in Europe not named Erling Haaland". While the Norwegian was romping his way through the Premier League, Osimhen battered Italy. The Nigerian developed a devastating understanding with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, combining with the Georgian winger en route to a season in which he scored 31 goals in all competitions.
But, as with the whole Napoli side that captured a first scudetto in 33 years, there was a sense that his tenure was coming to an end. Manager Luciano Spalletti left the club, while other key pieces departed. "Running it back" never seemed likely. And such has been the case. Napoli have employed three different managers this season, sit in seventh place, and are out of the Champions League. If Osimhen's haul of 11 goals in 17 Serie A appearances – interrupted by an injury layoff – for a side so clearly in decline is considered a disappointment, then there might just be a player here.
AdvertisementGettyWanting to leave
Osimhen, albeit briefly, seemed close to an exit last summer. He was linked heavily, at various points, to a glut of teams, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG all vying for his signature. He spurned that interest, electing to stay for one more year. But as he made clear in an interview in late January, he will leave the club at the end of the campaign.
“I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season. I already made up my mind. I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, the next step I want to take," he told CBS Sports. "I think 60% of the people mention the rumours about me linked with the Premier League. The Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world."
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed his intentions shortly after.
"We knew it since last summer, the negotiations for his [Osimhen] renewal have been long and friendly for that reason, we knew perfectly that he will go to Real Madrid, PSG or some Premier League team," he said.
The Nigerian had penned a new contract just a month before, but only did so to insert a release clause that satisfied all parties. Osimhen can now leave the club for around €130m(£113m/$144m) – a figure that almost seems cheap for an elite striker these days.
GettyThe tactical fit at PSG
There appears, on the face of things, to be a problem here. PSG need to replace – or at least fill the positional void left by – Mbappe. In its most apparent form, that would mean signing a player capable of playing either as a traditional winger of inside forward – someone at their best when operating in the left channel.
Osimhen is not that player, and asking him to be would be a massive misuse of his talents. Still, PSG haven't set up in traditional formations this year. Luis Enrique has spent most of the campaign fiddling with his side, switching between a 4-2-2-2, 5-3-2 and more orthodox 4-3-3. And in none of those setups has Mbappe functioned as a natural left-winger. Yes, the France captain tends to gravitate towards the left, but Luis Enrique has preferred to use him in a more central role, with Bradley Barcola functioning as a more orthodox winger. There is no such thing as a pure No.9 in this system – and the Parisians don't necessarily have a pure goalscorer through the middle.
It would all seem to be good news for Osimhen, who figures to function as a central presence, but also a player mobile enough to exploit the channels – and run in behind. An Mbappe replacement he is not. But the Parisians don't necessarily need one.
GettyThe appeal of Luis Enrique
In recent weeks, Luis Enrique has showed few qualms in publically distancing himself from the soon-to-depart Mbappe. From passive-aggressively wishing his star man the best, to outright benching him for Ligue 1 contests, the Spanish manager has made it clear that he is happy to move the Parisians into a new era. PSG will still need Mbappe when it really matters. But for the bits in between, he is a player on the periphery.
That apparent ruthlessness has historically led to some fractious relationships – just ask Neymar. But those on the manager's good side tend to develop immensely. Luis Enrique brought the best out of Ivan Rakitic at Barca, and developed prime Messi when it seemed he couldn't get any better after thriving under Pep Guardiola. His smart tactics for the Spanish national team helped Pedri and Gavi quickly become two of the game's most promising midfield prospects.
Piece it all together, and this is one of football's best man managers – especially for those who are willing to adjust under him. If Osimhen is coachable, then there might not be a better option.
