Victor Osimhen agrees new Napoli contract

• Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly agreed to an extra 12 months on his contract with the Serie A champions
• The new contract will see a huge pay rise for the Nigerian and a release clause of €120m is being installed
• Chelsea maintain an interest in the African Player of the Year and are keen to sign him in the summer 2024 transfer window

Napoli prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to extend his contract with the Italian club, a development that could have implications for potential suitors, including Chelsea. Osimhen’s current deal, initially believed to run until 2025, is set to be extended by an additional 12 months, keeping him in Naples until 2026. However, the contract extension comes with a significant caveat—a release clause that could reshape Osimhen’s future in the world of football.

The swiftness with which Napoli has moved to finalize this agreement before the January transfer window highlights their eagerness to secure Osimhen’s commitment. Despite the desire of the Serie A champions to tie him down until 2027, the compromise reached entails a one-year extension, ensuring Osimhen remains a crucial part of their squad.

However, the intrigue lies in the reported inclusion of a release clause in Osimhen’s new contract, set at a staggering €120 million (£112 million). This release clause serves as a deterrent, suggesting that any potential suitors, including Chelsea, would need to meet this substantial figure to pry the Nigerian striker away from Napoli. It’s noteworthy that Osimhen’s representatives insisted on the inclusion of this release clause as a condition for agreeing to the contract extension.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has agreed to a 12-month contract extension at the club with a release clause of 120m. | PHOTO: Sky |

Chelsea, identified as one of Osimhen’s primary suitors, remains undeterred in their pursuit of the African Player of the Year. Despite the impending contract extension and the inclusion of the release clause, Chelsea appears resolute in their plans to make a move for Osimhen in the upcoming summer transfer window. The club’s continued interest signals the high regard in which they hold the talented striker and their willingness to navigate the complexities of the transfer market.

READ: Nigerian stars Asisat Oshoala and Victor Osimhen crowned Africa’s best

One aspect that might raise eyebrows is Osimhen’s willingness to commit to a new contract with Napoli, especially in the wake of a recent incident involving the club’s official TikTok account. The social media platform openly mocked the 24-year-old striker for missing a penalty earlier in the season. Despite this public embarrassment, Osimhen has displayed remarkable maturity and resilience, expressing that he harbors no ill feelings towards the club or its president, Aurelio De Laurentiis.

In response to the incident, Osimhen characterized it as a “stupid error” and clarified that he was not mistreated by Napoli. He appreciated the support he received from key figures at the club, including De Laurentiis and his son Edoardo. Osimhen acknowledged that the responsible party for the incident had extended a sincere apology, and the matter had been resolved amicably. This episode not only showcases Osimhen’s professionalism but also underscores the evolving dynamics of player-club relationships in the age of social media scrutiny.

The imminent contract extension and the inclusion of a release clause introduce a fascinating dynamic to the narrative. Napoli, keen on retaining their prized asset, is taking measures to protect their interests by establishing a considerable release clause. On the other hand, potential suitors like Chelsea must weigh the financial implications of triggering such a clause.

As the footballing world awaits further developments, these contract negotiations add layers of complexity to the intricate dance of player movements and club strategies. Osimhen’s journey with Napoli, marked by both on-field brilliance and off-field incidents, forms a captivating story within the broader context of football’s constant evolution. The upcoming summer transfer window is poised to be a compelling chapter in this ongoing saga, with the contractual intricacies shaping the narrative of Osimhen’s future in the footballing landscape.