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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Victor Osimhen completes Napoli transfer after impressing for Lille in Ligue 1

Napoli have confirmed the signing of striker Victor Osimhen from Lille on a long-term contract.

The 21-year-old arrives at the Stadio San Paolo in a deal worth €60million (£54.1m), according to reports in Italy, making him one of the most expensive African footballers of all time.

Osimhen has penned a five-year deal to join the Partenopei, with Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis - formerly of Watford - heading to Lille in the other direction.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis announced the deal via his personal Twitter account, writing: "Benvenuto Victor! #ADL", before the club confirmed the deal shortly afterwards.

The Nigeria international had attracted interest from several of Europe's top clubs after scoring 13 goals in Ligue 1 and netting against Chelsea in the Champions League group stage.

Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for the striker, although Lille's valuation had scared off potential suitors.

But after finishing outside the Champions League qualification places following the early cancellation of the Ligue 1 season due to coronavirus, Lille have now decided to cash in on the striker.

Osimhen is expected to replace Polish forward Arkadiusz Milik, who is likely to be sold after turning down a new contract at Napoli, with Juventus reportedly the front runners for his signature.

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