Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has admitted to a major transfer blunder during Antonio Conte’s tenure, revealing that the club’s decision to sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia instead of Victor Osimhen — despite a €200 million offer from Paris Saint-Germain — has led to significant fallout. The move, made in January 2025, was based on Conte’s preference to retain the Georgian winger while allowing the Nigerian striker to leave, a choice De Laurentiis now calls a “big mistake.” The fallout includes strained relations with Kvaratskhelia’s father and agent, underscoring the long-term consequences of the transfer decision.
At the start of Conte’s management, Napoli received a combined €200 million offer from PSG for both Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia. Conte reportedly told De Laurentiis, “Osimhen you can sell, but please don’t sell Kvara,” influencing the club’s decision to keep the Georgian forward. Osimhen, who had just led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years in May 2023, scored 26 goals that season to win the prestigious Paolo Rossi Award. His performances made him a global target, but Napoli initially chose to hold onto him.
Despite Osimhen signing a new contract in December 2023, a gentleman’s agreement had already been made between the Nigeria international and De Laurentiis, allowing him to leave ahead of the 2024–25 season. After failed transfer talks with Chelsea and Al-Ahli, and with European transfer windows closed, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024. The move was later made permanent, marking the end of his five-year stay at Napoli.
During his time at the Diego Maradona Stadium, Osimhen made 133 appearances, scoring 76 goals and providing 18 assists — a record that cemented his status as one of the club’s most prolific strikers in recent history. His departure, while anticipated, was not without complications. The club’s decision to sell Kvaratskhelia instead, despite Conte’s initial preference, has now backfired, creating tension with the player’s family and representatives.
De Laurentiis’ admission highlights the delicate balance between managerial influence and club ownership in transfer decisions. What began as a strategic move to retain a key player has turned into a source of regret and conflict. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for clubs navigating high-stakes transfers, especially when top-tier players are involved. As Napoli looks to rebuild, the consequences of this decision will likely shape their future transfer strategy.
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