In a groundbreaking move, Napoli’s star forward Victor Osimhen has committed his future to the Serie A champions, signing a contract extension that will not only keep him at the club until 2026, but double what he makes per season, according to Associated Press.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who shared images of the momentous occasion, capturing Osimhen’s signature, handshakes, and smiles. The official social media accounts of the club swiftly followed suit, confirming the extension with the caption, “Victor & Napoli together until 2026.”
One of the most striking aspects of this agreement is the substantial increase in Osimhen’s salary. Italian media reports indicate that the star striker’s earnings have more than doubled, now standing at an impressive 10 million euros per season. This significant salary boost reflects not only Osimhen’s on-field prowess but also Napoli’s commitment to rewarding and retaining top talent. You can read more about the striker’s salary on Kick Off Nigeria.
The contract extension comes as a testament to Osimhen’s exceptional contributions to Napoli, notably as he clinched the title of African Player of the Year. With his existing contract set to conclude in 2025, the Nigerian forward’s commitment to Napoli has been solidified for an additional year, emphasizing the club’s desire to retain their prized asset.
In addition to the renewed contract and enhanced salary, a release clause has been incorporated into the agreement, estimated to be between 120 million and 130 million euros. This further underscores Napoli’s strategic approach to protecting their investment in Osimhen, should potential suitors come knocking in the future.
Victor Osimhen, who is set to turn 25 next week, joined Napoli in 2020 from Lille for a transfer fee of approximately 75 million euros. Since then, he has rapidly ascended to become one of the most exciting strikers globally. His remarkable performance last season played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph, with Osimhen notching an impressive 26 goals, making him the first African player to secure the Italian league’s top goalscorer accolade.
Despite a somewhat tumultuous start to the current season under new coach Rudi Garcia, Osimhen’s commitment to Napoli is now unquestionable. Reports earlier in the season had hinted at a potential departure, especially when the striker deleted most of his images in the team’s shirt from his social media accounts after the club posted a video that rubbed him the wrong way.
With this contract extension, Napoli not only secures the services of a prolific goalscorer but also sends a strong signal about its ambitions and commitment to building a formidable team for the future. The Napoli faithful can now look forward to witnessing more breathtaking moments from Victor Osimhen on the pitch as he continues to don the iconic blue shirt until 2026.