An African star's lucrative transfer in Europe is reportedly being investigated for fraud.
In September 2020, Napoli secured Victor Osimhen's services from LOSC Lille for a club-record fee of €70 million (R1.1 billion), plus add-ons, according to Goal.
That figure ensured that the Nigeria international became the second-most expensive African footballer of all time.
According to Sky Sport Italia, however, police raided Napoli and Lille's offices on Tuesday as part of an investigation into possible fraud in the transfer.
The deal has become controversial because, of the official €70 million (R1.1 billion) transfer fee plus €10 million (R168 million) in bonuses, only €50 million (R852 million) was paid in cash.
The other €20 million (R336 million) was compensated through the transfer of Orestis Karnezis and youth team players Luigi Liguori, Claudio Manzi and Ciro Palmieri.
The value of the youth academy players immediately brought concern as they were reportedly issued inflated prices on the transfer market.
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The deal continued to raise eyebrows when the three youngsters ended up never wearing the Lille jersey – they were immediately loaned out to Serie C sides before their contracts were terminated a year later, free of charge.
The players have also claimed that the deal ruined their promising careers and believe they were just pawns in a larger transaction benefiting both Napli and Lille.
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