Transfer deadline day: Victor Osimhen and the biggest stories before the window closes this Friday in Europe

The 2024 summer transfer window is nearing its end, but there are some players that still have to find their new team in the coming days. While the time is almost over, clubs and agents are working hard to find the best solutions before Friday’s deadline day. Let’s take a look at what we can expect in the last days of the summer session, and which are the most interesting situations to monitor.

1. Victor Osimhen’s saga 

One of the stories of this summer transfer window, and it’s still not over. The Nigerian striker, despite agreeing on a new deal until summer 2026 last December, decided he wanted to part ways with Napoli this summer. The Italian club agreed to let him leave, also considering he has a €135 million release clause in the contract, but the player hasn’t been able to find a new team as of yet. Napoli’s new manager Antonio Conte immediately understood the situation and pressured Napoli to sign striker Romelu Lukaku before selling Osimhen, a move that’s almost official. However, the Azzurri are now in the uncomfortable status of having Osimhen still on the roster, with only five days left before the end of the window. 

While Osimhen’s expected destinations of PSG and Chelsea are still quiet, Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli are now working with Napoli to find an agreement, but the agent of the Nigerian striker Roberto Calenda broke his silence on Monday with a message on social media.

“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction. He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions. As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is need respect and balance.” 

The Osimhen saga is far from being over, and a lot can happen in the next few days. 

2. Juventus working hard

The Italian giants are still working to make some late moves this summer. The Bianconeri have made some key signings in this transfer window, including the latest, winger Nico Gonzalez from Fiorentina, and Francisco Conceicao from FC Porto. However, Juve are not done yet. The Vecchia Signora is now working to finalize the deal with Atalanta for Teun Koopmeiners and are also considering a late loan move for Jadon Sancho, only if Federico Chiesa will leave the club in the last days of the summer window. Juventus will be by far the most active Italian team in these last days. 

3. Will Chiesa leave? 

We mentioned him above, as this is another big unanswered question of this summer transfer session. Chiesa is out of the Juventus project since new manager Thiago Motta was appointed in June. The club have decided to sell him after the player didn’t agree to a new deal, with the current one is expiring in the summer 2025. However, as with Napoli and Osimhen, Juventus are struggling to find a solution for him and the player is currently still looking for another team in these last days of the summer window. FC Barcelona showed interest, but it’s not clear if the Spanish side can financially afford the move. If Juve manage to sell Chiesa, they will ask Manchester United for the loan of Jadon Sancho. 

4. Barcelona, what to expect? 

FC Barcelona are always one of those clubs to watch out in the last days of the transfer window. Hansi Flick’s team are working to make some outgoings before trying to sign more players and a winger is their priority target for these last days. If the Blaugrana won’t be able to sign Chiesa from Juventus, the first alternative is Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who could leave the club on loan in the last hours of the window. In the meantime, Barcelona are still struggling to register Spanish striker Dani Olmo to their roster so he can finally make his debut with Tuesday’s game against Rayo Vallecano in doubt. When transfer deadline day is approaching, Barcelona are always a side that need to be considered.