Napoli are looking to secure the services of star striker Victor Osimhen by offering him a new contract with an eye-watering €160 million release clause.
The 24-year-old has been in sensational form since joining the Serie A champions from Lille last summer, scoring 13 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions. His performances have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
In order to ward off this interest, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reported to be preparing a contract extension for Osimhen that includes a significant pay increase and a €160 million release clause – making him one of the most expensive players in world football.
The proposed deal is said to include annual wages of around €7 million for Osimhen, who currently earns €4.5 million per season at Napoli. This would make him one of the highest earners in Italian football and would put him just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (€31 million) among Serie A’s top earners.
By inserting such a hefty release clause into his new contract, Napoli will be hoping they can protect their star player from poachers like PSG and Bayern Munich – who are reportedly willing to offer double his current salary in order to sign him.
The Nigerian international has proven himself as one of Europe’s brightest prospects since joining Lille from Charleroi in 2019, scoring 37 goals and providing 15 assists in 68 appearances across all competitions during his time with the French club. He has continued this form at Napoli and is so far enjoying his best season yet; he already has ten goals and four assists under his belt for I Partenopei this term.
Not only is he a prolific goal scorer but he is also versatile; capable of playing as both an out-and-out striker or on either wing – something which could be particularly useful when it comes to competing with Europe’s elite clubs next season.
Osimhen’s talismanic presence on the pitch is also complemented by his iconic style off it; he often takes to the field wearing a bespoke Napoli jersey bearing his own name alongside those of other icons such as Diego Maradona and Careca – further emphasising how important he has become for I Partenopei over such a short period of time.
Napoli fans will no doubt be relieved that their club are looking after their prized asset by offering him a new contract with such an impressive release clause; they will certainly not want to see Osimhen leave anytime soon given how instrumental he has been for them this season. All eyes will now be on Aurelio De Laurentiis to see if he can convince the Nigerian starlet to commit his future at Stadio San Paolo for many years to come.