Victor Osimhen has hit out at his Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent Mamuka Jugeli for suggesting the Nigerian will move to Saudi Arabia next summer.
Osimhen signed a new contract until 2026 in December, with his salary reportedly more than doubling to £8.6m per season, and rejected a £115m advance from Saudi side Al-Hilal in the summer.
He scored 31 goals in all competitions last season as he helped Napoli to their first title in 33 years, making him one of world football’s most wanted players.
To cap an impressive campaign, the 25-year-old was crowned 2023 African Footballer of the Year and came eighth in the Ballon d’Or vote for 2023.
However, Jugeli suggested Osimhen is driven more by money in quotes reported by La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
“Victor Osimhen has signed a new contract, but do you really believe he’ll play for Napoli for his entire career?
“I’ll tell you in advance, he (Osimhen) will go to Saudi Arabia next summer. Napoli raised his salary but Kvicha wouldn’t accept such a transfer even for a billion.
“For example, Kvicha would prefer to play for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or maybe Manchester City; Kvaratskhelia has different goals and preferences.
“He wants to be successful, and he is already having it. He is among the top 3 players in the world.”
Reacting to the comment on his Instagram post, Osimhen wrote: “Dear Mamuka Jugeli, you are a piece of filth and a disgrace. I’m embarrassed at your sense of reasoning. Dumbf***. Keep my name out of your mouth.”
Osimhen is currently with the Super Eagles preparing for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
This season, he has scored eight goals in 18 appearances with Napoli across all competitions.
