Following lengthy negotiations
between Napoli and the agent of Nigerian international
Victor Osimhen, reports
have surfaced indicating that an agreement has been reached. The striker is now
poised to ink a fresh contract with the reigning Serie A champions.
Recently, Napoli’s head coach,
Rudi Garcia, confirmed that Victor Osimhen would be extending his tenure in
Naples, effectively putting an end to speculations surrounding the striker’s
future.
Garcia expressed his desire for
Osimhen’s happiness, acknowledging the commendable efforts put forth by both
the club and the player. He emphasized Osimhen’s pivotal role as a driving
force for the team, citing his remarkable goal-scoring abilities. Garcia
stated, “Once the agreement becomes official, he can concentrate entirely
on his contributions on the field, a prospect I find preferable.”
Details unveiled by Italian
publication Football-Italia on Saturday disclosed that a new three-year
contract extension had been offered to the Nigerian. This extension
incorporates a release clause set at €150 million and an annual salary of €10
million (equivalent to N8.4 billion).
The anticipated contract extension
is anticipated to span until June 2027 and will result in a substantial
increase in Osimhen’s wages from his current €5.5 million, inclusive of bonuses
and a share of his image rights.
Football-Italia further outlined
that the release clause will be stratified into two tiers: one applicable to
clubs outside of Italy and a distinct one for the Saudi Pro League, pegged at
€150 million.
Osimhen, who recently played a
pivotal role in Napoli securing their first Serie A title in 33 years, also
achieved the distinction of becoming the first African to claim the
Capocannoniere (Serie A Top Scorer Award).
Furthermore, Osimhen’s
accomplishments shattered a 14-year drought, making him the first player since
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to clinch both the Scudetto and the Capocannoniere within
the same season.
His remarkable performance
garnered interest from a plethora of clubs during the summer transfer window,
including Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, and various
teams from the Saudi Pro League such as Al-Hilal.
While several high-profile
European clubs faced setbacks in their pursuit, Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League
team, appeared to be on the cusp of success.
Al-Hilal submitted not one, but
two bids for Osimhen, accompanied by an enticing salary package that could have
made him the highest-earning African footballer in history.
Nevertheless, President Aurelio De
Laurentiis and Osimhen remained steadfast in their commitment to continue their
partnership at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
In a recent friendly match on
Friday, the 24-year-old forward once again showcased his prowess, finding the
target as Napoli secured a 2-0 victory against Apollon Limassol.
