Fabio Capello wants Napoli to keep their faith in Victor Osimhen instead of trying to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to join the Partenopei. There have been rumours of potential moves for both, with the Nigerian and Portuguese linked with effectively trading places.
The 37-year-old is reportedly eager to leave Manchester United after the English giants failed to qualify for the Champions League while the 23-year-old Nigerian striker has been linked with the Red Devils and a move away from Serie A for some time.
Capello praised the management skills of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, but he also pointed out that Partenopei coach Luciano Spalletti would have to appease the Portuguese veteran if he arrived.
“De Laurentiis is one of those presidents who knows how to balance the books well,” Capello said on Radio Anch’io Sport.
“Ronaldo gives you 20-25 goals. You end up losing a young player like Osimhen, but here it is a question of money and potential.
“The discussion revolves around this and the management will have to decide what to do for the good of Napoli. This is fantasy football.
“Ronaldo does not integrate into groups. This will be Spalletti’s problem, who will have to be good at exalting him. At the present you say Ronaldo, if we look to the future, I point to Osimhen.”
Osimhen impressing at Napoli
Despite a shoulder injury and then a facial one since joining from French club Lille in the summer of 2020 for a reported fee of €70 million, Victor Osimhen has earned praise for his performances with Napoli so far.
His record of 30 goals in 65 competitive matches seems decent enough, but his ability to hold up the ball, shrug off defenders, and break away quickly make him a difficult opponent to face.
At the age of 23, the Nigerian striker has room to grow and he has already scored twice in three Serie A appearances in 2022/23.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has won many individual awards and team trophies throughout his illustrious career, and he has previous Serie A experience with Juventus. However, his return to Manchester United has not lived up to his expectations and he has been searching for a way to leave the English giants.
