When Newcastle United were first acquired by the Public Investment Fund, they wanted to make a very strong splash on the transfer market.
It was widely reported in Italy that the Magpies had targeted two players from Napoli to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, with those being Victor Osimhen and Fabián Ruiz.
That was a year ago, and things have changed a fair bit since, with Newcastle bolstering their attack with Alexander Isak last summer, while the Spanish midfielder has since been transferred to Paris Saint-Germain.
Osimhen, down his end, has remained in Naples, where he is the star of the show alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Luciano Spalletti’s team.
It seems unlikely that Newcastle would come back for him in the coming months, especially considering how much the Nigeria international would cost, but if they did, they might be met with as much reluctance as they did last time.
That’s according to journalist Fabio Mandarini, who spoke about the striker on Giochiami D’Anticipo, relayed by Area Napoli.
Asked about Osimhen, he said: “In the past, he received an offer from Newcastle, but he refused. He wants the Premier League, but also a top club in the league.”
At the time, that certainly made sense, but less so now, although it’s fair to say that despite the work Eddie Howe has done at St James’ Park, players are still likely to rather go to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
At least for the time being.
