*Jerry Napoli, the Serie A champions, have confirmed the contract extension of Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen until 2026, as announced on Saturday.
The club shared the news on social media, posting an image of Osimhen signing the new deal alongside club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, stating, “Victor and Napoli together until 2026.”
While the specific terms of the new contract have not been disclosed, reports from Italian media suggest the presence of a release clause ranging between 120 million and 130 million euros ($132 million and $143 million). This clause aims to safeguard the club’s interests and prevent the departure of their prized asset to potential Premier League suitors without a substantial financial return.
Osimhen’s extension has been a hot topic in Italy, particularly following Napoli’s Serie A victory last season, ending their three-decade-long league title drought. His contribution of 26 league goals under former coach Luciano Spalletti played a pivotal role in the team’s success, captivating Europe with their thrilling style of play.
Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has demonstrated his scoring prowess, netting a total of 67 goals in 118 appearances for the club.
Despite their previous successes, Napoli currently find themselves trailing Serie A leaders Inter Milan by 14 points. Additionally, their recent exit from the Italian Cup at the hands of Frosinone adds pressure ahead of their upcoming clash against rivals Roma on Sunday night.