By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meloso has defended Aurelio De Laurentiis’ decision to keep Victor Osimhen despite strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG pushed hard to sign the Nigerian striker in the summer of 2023, even holding talks with his representatives about a potential move to France.
Osimhen had just played a key role in Napoli’s historic 2022/23 Scudetto triumph, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
However, Napoli turned down PSG’s approach, choosing to retain him for another season before his eventual departure to Galatasaray.
Reflecting on that decision, Meloso told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli that selling both Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the time would have sent the wrong message.
“After winning the Scudetto, De Laurentiis didn’t want to weaken the squad,” Meloso said.
“Looking back, it’s easy to argue that they could have been sold, but at that moment it would have been a negative signal—especially after losing Spalletti and Giuntoli.
“He made that choice in the best interest of Napoli. Some decisions work out, others don’t.”
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