Despite intensifying rumours surrounding his imminent departure, Victor Osimhen has been included in Napoli’s pre-season squad set to begin training in mid-July, according to a report from Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Nigerian striker, fresh off a sensational loan spell at Turkish champions Galatasaray—where he netted 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances—is expected to report back to Napoli as the Serie A side kicks off their summer preparations on July 14.
Medical checks for Napoli players will take place between July 14 and 15 in Naples, before the team moves to their traditional summer base in Dimaro, Trentino-Alto Adige, from July 17 to 27.
A brief break will follow before the squad reconvenes in Castel di Sangro from July 30 through August 14.
Despite his inclusion in the squad, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. The 26-year-old, who recently rejected a massive €40 million per year deal from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, is still expected to leave the club this summer.
However, Football Italia reports that if a transfer deal is not finalized by mid-July, Osimhen will be formally required to join his teammates for pre-season.
Napoli reportedly intends to send the player an official communication soon, reminding him of his obligations should a move not materialize in time.
It is unclear whether he would train fully with the team or undergo an individual program while negotiations continue.
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Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli runs until June 2026, with an option to extend until 2027.
His €75 million release clause, notably, is not applicable to Serie A clubs, meaning domestic suitors like Juventus would have to pay a significantly higher fee to secure his services.
Meanwhile, Premier League interest in the former Lille forward continues to heat up. Manchester United are reportedly in pole position, with Chelsea having previously engaged in talks.
Arsenal have yet to make a formal approach, while Liverpool were linked with a player-plus-cash offer earlier this summer.
For now, Osimhen’s next move remains one of the transfer window’s biggest question marks—but unless a deal is struck soon, he will don the Napoli kit once more this July.