Just in: Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen renews Napoli’s contract for additional years
Victor Osimhen will not be leaving his Italian club anytime soon, as the Nigerian striker renewed his contract with Napoli, which is expected to extend until 2026.
Napoli announced the contract extension of the African Footballer of the Year in a post on its official X handle on Saturday.
The Nigerian international striker was pictured signing the new deal alongside club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Reports from Italy indicated that a release clause worth between 120 million and 130 million euros ($132 million and $143 million) was inserted in the new deal. This gives Napoli the chance to cash in on the striker in case some top bidders come in for his service.
Afrireporters reported earlier that Osimhen reportedly reached an agreement in principle with his current club Napoli on a contract extension, despite growing interest from top European clubs to secure his service.
The latest development will unsettle top clubs seeking to sign the Nigerian star player, especially Chelsea, Real Madrid and recently, Arsenal who reportedly initiated a move for the Napoli forward later in January.
The Nigerian international featured 32 times for Napoli in the Serie A last season, scoring 26 goals in a campaign that saw him win the Golden Boot and earn the club the Scudetto for the first time in over 30 years.
Earlier this season, it appeared that the star might be leaving Italy after the club posted a controversial video of the striker on TikTok in which he was referred to as a “coconut.” Napoli was then forced to issue the following statement: “Napoli, in order to avoid any exploitation on the topic, specifies that it never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, the club’s technical asset.
