Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli 'locked' Victor Osimhen inside a hotel to persuade him to join the Serie A side and turn down a move to Liverpool in 2020.
Giuntoli’s former collaborator Giandomenico Costi revealed the tactic used by Napoli in order to secure the services of Osimhen - who has gone on to become one of the most feared forwards in Europe.
The Napoli director oversaw the signings of Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before they both helped to secure a first Serie A title in 33 years.
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The Nigerian striker joined Napoli from Lille and has gone on to score 47 times in 80 appearances, including 28 in all competitions this season. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are linked with a move with him in the summer.
Costi told Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia): “The signing of Osimhen is Giuntoli’s biggest masterpiece. He [Osimhen] was locked in a hotel for three days. Giuntoli knew Liverpool were interested, and Jurgen Klopp had made his move, but Cristiano spoke to Osimhen in the hotel for three days until he convinced him to accept Napoli.
“He was full of energy. Giuntoli is a director who would call you 100 times a day. He knew Victor very well, he had even followed him at Charleroi.”
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