•New 2-year deal to include special release clause of €150m for Saudi clubs
By Ephraim Nwosu
Despite immense pressure from family and friends to move to lucrative Saudi Arabian league, Victor Osimhen has finally resolved to remain with Napoli as he has agreed to pen a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on improved terms, ending the speculations surrounding the striker’s future.
According to reports from Italy, Osimhen has worked out a new contract with Napoli that includes a release clause at €150m and a salary at €10m per season(about N16.8 billion for two seasons).
This new deal is expected to run to June 2027 and will see his wages sky-rocket to €10m per season including bonuses and a portion of his image rights.
The release clause is set to be at two different levels, one for clubs outside of Italy and one specifically for the Saudi Pro League, reaching €150m.It would be recalled that the centre-forward helped the Parthenopeans to win their first Scudetto in over 30 years and became the first African ever to be crowned Serie A Capocannoniere.
He received interest from numerous clubs this summer, including Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and several Saudi Pro League sides like Al-Hilal.
However, President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Osimhen were always focused on continuing their rapport together at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The 24-year-old forward was again on target during Napoli’s 2-0 victory against Apollon Limassol in a recent friendly match on Friday.
Speaking to Sky Sport in a post-match interview (via Tutto Napoli), Garcia confirmed the impending contract renewal for their talisman.
According to the former AS Roma manager, Osimhen’s mandate is straightforward – to continue delivering exceptional performances and goal-scoring prowess for Napoli.
Garcia expressed, “I want Osimhen to be happy. The club and the player have executed commendable efforts. He’s an essential driving force for us; we rely on his goal-scoring capabilities.
“Once the agreement is official, he’ll be able to focus solely on his on-field contributions, a prospect that I find preferable.”