Napoli withdraws Osimhen’s jersey number from Lukaku

Napoli have removed Victor Osimhen’s iconic number nine shirt from new player Romelu Lukaku.

Earlier on Saturday, Lukaku received the star forward’s shirt, and the club formally removed the Nigerian striker off their Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 season.

However, the club later stated that the initial decision had been reversed, with Lukaku receiving jersey number 11 rather than the figure previously reported.

Osimhen will keep his number nine jersey, but the Super Eagles striker has yet to be registered for the 2024/25 Serie A season.

This follows a disappointing transfer deadline day in which he was unable to complete deals to Chelsea or Al-Ahli.

According to Sky Sports, Osimhen requested a wage deal of more than £300,000 per week from Chelsea.

The Blues were apparently willing to continue talks with the striker, but their approach went unanswered, prompting them to call the trade off.

Napoli had also been in talks with Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli about Osimhen’s transfer, reportedly for a €80 million fee.

While Osimhen agreed to personal terms with Al-Ahli worth a whopping €30 million each season, Napoli requested an additional €5 million in bonuses on top of the €80 million given, causing the deal to fall through.

There is still a slim chance of a last-minute transfer to Saudi Arabia, as the transfer window in that region remains open until September 2.

Osimhen is still under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2026, with wages totalling €10 million each year.