Home/Soccer

via Imago

via Imago

Al Hilal has been ambitious in this summer transfer window. The Saudi club was in talks with many top talents and offered them incredible wages in an attempt to lure them to join their club. It was Neymar Jr. who they finally concluded their transfer window with. But, they were on the lookout for much younger talents before striking a deal with the Brazilian international. Unlike others, Napoli’s president didn’t give in, he rejected Al Hilal’s approach with a quirky reply.

Multiple clubs had approached to sign Napoli’s Golden Boot winner. However, it was Al Hilal who even came close to offering a substantial amount. Napoli’s president though was not in a mood to entertain them at all.

Neymar Jr’s club’s proposal was rejected by Napoli’s president

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The dynamic duo of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen ran rampant in Serie A last year. It was after 33 years that the club won its first Scudetto. Good performances loomed the danger of seeing their star players get nabbed by top clubs. However, Aurelio De Laurentiis was not concerned, he never looked to be in a mindset to sell his ace players.

When the $215 million offer from Neymar Jr’s Al Hilal arrived, it was swiftly rejected by the Italian. In response to the proposal, he sent an email that read, “Your $215 million offer can buy only one foot of Osimhen”, as compiled by Tutto Mercato and translated by DeepL.

Napoli fans were skeptical whether Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia will stay at the club for this season. However, neither of them seemed interested in leaving the blue jersey. De Laurentiis further added in the email, “For next year I think you’ll be able to offer $500 million and we’ll probably consider your offer, but I repeat: maybe.”

READ MORE – “One of the Best in the World” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ex-Coach Likens 24 Year Old Player to the Al Nassr Star, Citing Similar Mentality to Carry the Team

Osimhen has a contract with Napoli that runs till 2025 while Kvaratskhelia’s contract runs till 2027. The Italian club hence feels secure having them already signed long deals. De Laurentiis is also trying to extend Osimhen’s contract with the club. But, in a transfer window that’s so volatile anything can happen.

Napoli’s best players are prime targets for Europe’s major clubs

To find a talent is hard but to retain a talent is even harder. Staggering wages and high-end transfer fees can turn tides in an instant. Kim Min-jae won the award for the best defender in Serie A last year. It was Kim Min-jae’s debut season who was bought as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly. Bayern Munich triggered Min-jae’s release clause and signed him for a fee of $62.5 million in this transfer window.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Napoli have bought in new recruitments to bolster their squad for their new season. Jesper Lindstrom has been their most prolific signing from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of $32.5 million. The club also signed Natan from RB Bragantino. They’ve also made Giacomo Raspdori’s loan move permanent. With Luciano Spaletti leaving the club after winning the scudetto they’ve now appointed Rudi Garcia from Al Nassr as their manager.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Canelo vs. Messi Lavish Lifestyle Comparison Net Worth Mansions Multi-Million Dollar Car Collections and More

Other than that De Laurentiis’ complete focus was to retain the top two talents he had at the club. Losing out Min-Jae was also not as per the plan but something the club could handle with more signings in the winter transfer window. Napoli currently stands 6th in the Serie A table and will face Genoa next. How many goals do you think Victor Osimhen will score this season? Let us know in the comments below.