Former Napoli Director Defends De Laurentiis’ Refusal to Sell Osimhen

Former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meloso has backed club president Aurelio De Laurentiis’ decision not to sell star forwards Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain for €200 million last year.

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Meloso said that accepting PSG’s offer immediately after Napoli’s historic third Scudetto would have sent the wrong message to the club and its supporters.

‘Should Osimhen and Kvara have been sold together to PSG immediately after their third Scudetto? At that point, De Laurentiis didn’t want to weaken Napoli,’ Meloso explained.

The former director noted that while hindsight might suggest cashing in on the duo, the president’s refusal was rooted in protecting the team’s strength following the departures of coach Luciano Spalletti and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.

‘It would have sent a terrible signal to the club after winning the Scudetto and losing Spalletti and Giuntoli. He refused for the good of Napoli, but there are some things that go well and others that don’t,’ Meloso added.