Why Victor Osimhen could pursue a legal action against Napoli

• Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is expected to pursue legal action against the club
• The club posted a TikTok video insulting Osimhen before deleting it after much criticism 
• It comes at a time when Osimhen is in talks with the club over a new contract

Victor Osimhen is considering pursuing legal action against Napoli after the club published a TikTok video mocking the striker. This development casts further doubt on Osimhen’s future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

While discussions regarding a new contract were reportedly underway, recent issues have arisen, leading to the delay in finalizing a new deal for the Nigerian striker. Osimhen’s current contract is set to expire in 2025, and negotiations had been progressing well during the summer, including the inclusion of a release clause worth €150 million (£130 million).

However, the recent incident involving the TikTok video may complicate these contract talks. Napoli initially posted a video on TikTok that ridiculed Osimhen’s missed penalty in their 0-0 draw against Bologna on Sunday. The club later removed the video following criticism.

After Osimhen’s penalty miss, manager Rudi Garcia substituted him, and the player reacted negatively to being withdrawn. The situation appeared to be resolved after Osimhen had discussions with Garcia and the squad the following day. However, Napoli’s decision to post and then delete the video on TikTok has reignited tensions.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen reacting after missing a penalty during a 0-0 draw during a Serie A clash against Bologna over the weekend. | PHOTO: Goal |

READ: Napoli win first Serie A title in over three decades

Osimhen’s agent, Robert Calenda, has now confirmed that both he and the player are considering legal action in response to the incident. In a statement, Calenda expressed his strong disapproval of Napoli’s actions.

“What happened today [Tuesday] on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable,” Calenda said.

“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted.

“This is a serious matter that has caused significant harm to the player and adds to the mistreatment that Victor has endured in recent times, including media trials and fake news.

“We reserve the right to take legal action and any necessary steps to protect Victor.”

The TikTok incident comes at a time when Osimhen’s future at Napoli was already uncertain due to contract negotiations that had hit a roadblock. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the striker’s relationship with the club and whether it will affect his decision regarding a contract extension.

Osimhen has shown immense promise as a striker and was considered one of Napoli’s key assets. However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future, combined with the recent TikTok controversy, raises questions about whether he will continue to represent the Italian club in the long term.

As this situation unfolds, the football world will be watching closely to see how Napoli and Osimhen navigate these challenging circumstances and whether legal action will be pursued in response to the alleged mistreatment of the player.