In a remarkable development for Napoli fans and football enthusiasts alike, star forward Victor Osimhen has signed a contract extension with the Serie A champions, keeping him at the club until 2026. This new deal represents a significant milestone in Osimhen’s career and highlights Napoli’s commitment to building a successful team around him.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis took to social media to share the news, posting pictures of himself with Osimhen, both beaming with joy, as they signed the necessary paperwork and sealed the deal. The caption accompanying the photos, “Victor & Napoli together until 2026,” expressed the club’s delight in securing the talented forward’s services for an extended period.
A Worthwhile Investment
Osimhen’s contract extension comes as no surprise, given his remarkable performance and impact at Napoli since his arrival in 2020. The Nigerian international was signed from Lille for a substantial fee of approximately €75 million, which has proved to be a worthwhile investment. Osimhen’s 26 goals last season played a significant role in helping Napoli clinch the Serie A title, making him the first African player to finish as the Italian league’s top goalscorer.
A Lucrative Salary Increase
Italian media sources report that as part of the contract extension, Osimhen’s salary has been more than doubled to an impressive €10 million per season. This substantial pay rise demonstrates Napoli’s recognition of his value and potential within the team. Additionally, the new contract includes a release clause estimated to be between €120 million and €130 million, safeguarding Napoli’s interests and ensuring that any potential transfer offers meet their financial expectations.
Much-Needed Stability
By securing Osimhen’s future until 2026, Napoli has achieved a newfound stability in their attacking lineup. Given the strong interest from a Saudi Arabian team, who reportedly made a lucrative offer of over €200 million for the forward’s services last summer, Napoli’s refusal speaks volumes about their determination to retain Osimhen’s talent within their ranks.
Despite Osimhen’s undeniable prowess on the field, this season has presented him with some obstacles. Following the departure of title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti and his replacement by Rudi Garcia, Osimhen faced uncertainty regarding his future at the club. In a moment of frustration, he even deleted several pictures of himself in Napoli’s jersey from his social media accounts after the club posted a video mocking him. However, Osimhen’s resilience and determination have shone through, as he has managed to score an impressive seven league goals this season, placing him third in the scoring charts.
Victor Osimhen’s contract extension with Napoli until 2026 heralds a new chapter in his career and symbolizes a fruitful partnership between player and club. As Osimhen continues to showcase his exceptional skill and goal-scoring abilities, Napoli can look forward to many successful seasons ahead, strengthened by the presence of this talented and dedicated forward in their squad.