NAPLES, Italy – Nigerian and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has been awarded the Best Striker title for the 2022/23 Serie A season.
The league body made the announcement on Friday, June 2, 2023, noting that Osimhen outperformed other top strikers like Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao to clinch the prize.
Osimhen earned the prestigious accolade by netting 25 league goals this term, four more than his closest competitor, Martinez, with just one match remaining.
The Super Eagles forward’s stellar performance this season also propelled Napoli to their first Serie A title since the 1989–1990 season, marking the club’s third domestic title following previous victories in 1987.
At 24 years old, Osimhen is set to make history by becoming the first African player to secure the top scorer spot in Serie A. Earlier this season, he surpassed George Weah’s record for the most goals scored by an African in the Serie A when he scored his 47th goal.
Osimhen’s teammate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, also earned significant recognition by being named the Serie A Player of the Season.
The Georgian contributed 12 goals and 10 assists in the league this season, totaling 14 goals and 10 assists in 42 games in the current campaign.
Another Napoli player, Kim Min-Jae, was awarded the best defender, while Lazio’s Ivan Provedel won the best goalkeeper prize.
Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella clinched the title for the best midfielder of the season.
Napoli Breaks the Bank to Keep Victor Osimhen as Top Clubs in Poaching Frenzy
Napoli is prepared to make an unprecedented move in order to retain their star striker, Victor Osimhen, as interest from top European clubs grows.
The 24-year-old Nigerian has caught the attention of Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain due to his exceptional performance this season.
Tutto Napoli reports on Sunday, May 14, 2023, that the Partenopei are willing to break their usual salary cap of €3.5 million to offer Osimhen a new, more lucrative contract.
This unorthodox approach demonstrates Napoli’s commitment to keeping their star player, at least for now. The new deal would also include the promise of a future transfer at the end of next season.
Osimhen’s outstanding performance this season, scoring 24 goals in 29 league appearances under Luciano Spalletti’s management, has made him a hot commodity in the football world.
His potential to continue improving and delivering results has prompted Napoli to reconsider their wage policy in order to secure his services.
A club insider told Tutto Napoli, “Victor’s talent and potential are undeniable. We are committed to keeping him with us and are willing to make an exception in our salary structure to ensure that.”
With this proposed new contract, Napoli hopes to fend off interest from other clubs and maintain their strong squad as they continue to compete in the Serie A and on the European stage.
