Napoli, the reigning Italian champions, have successfully prolonged their association with Victor Osimhen until 2026. The announcement, made via the club's official social media handle on Saturday, revealed a jubilant Osimhen alongside Napoli's owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, penning the new deal that solidifies the Nigerian international's future with the Blues.
The contract extension, shrouded in secrecy by Napoli, has sparked intrigue among football enthusiasts, but Italian media outlets have hinted at the inclusion of a release clause ranging between 120 million and 130 million euros ($132 million and $143 million). This strategic move is purportedly aimed at safeguarding Napoli's prized asset from potential Premier League suitors, ensuring the club retains control over Osimhen's destiny while potentially cashing in on any high-profile transfer.
Osimhen's previous contract was set to expire in June 2025, making the renewal a topic of fervent discussion in Italy, particularly following Napoli's historic league title win last season. Under the guidance of former coach Luciano Spalletti, the club enthralled Europe with their exhilarating brand of football, securing the championship for the first time in over three decades. Osimhen played a pivotal role in this triumph, netting an impressive 26 league goals during the campaign.
Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has consistently proven his goal-scoring prowess, amassing an impressive tally of 67 goals in 118 appearances across all competitions. His contributions on the field have not only endeared him to Napoli's faithful but have also established him as a talismanic figure for the club.
Despite the celebratory mood surrounding Osimhen's contract extension, Napoli finds themselves facing challenges in the current Serie A season. Trailing 14 points behind league leaders Inter, Napoli confronts a critical clash against rivals Roma on Sunday night. Furthermore, the midweek elimination from the Italian Cup by Frosinone has added to the team's recent setbacks.
As Napoli looks to navigate these challenges, the extension of Osimhen's contract provides a beacon of stability and optimism for the club's future. The Nigerian striker's commitment to Napoli until 2026 underscores the determination to build upon the successes of the recent past and reaffirms the club's aspiration to remain a dominant force in Italian and European football
