Osimhen wants £104m release clause in new Napoli contract

Victor Osimhen, the dynamic Nigerian striker, has put Napoli on notice, expressing his desire to sign a new contract with one condition: a hefty €120 million (£104m) release clause must be included in the deal.

Osimhen’s scintillating form during the 2022-23 season was a revelation for the Italian side, scoring an impressive 31 goals and providing five assists in 39 appearances. His prowess in front of the net proved vital as Napoli secured the Serie A title, with the striker netting an astonishing 26 goals in the league and adding five more in the Champions League, guiding his team to the quarter-finals.

Amidst his remarkable performances, the 24-year-old’s future has become the talk of the footballing world, with several top clubs expressing interest in acquiring his signature this summer. Names like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the Nigerian sensation.

However, Napoli president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, recently asserted that only Paris Saint-Germain possessed the financial muscle to afford Osimhen, demanding offers in the realm of €200 million (£170m) to even consider parting ways with their star striker. Despite the interest from other clubs, De Laurentiis remains firm that Osimhen will stay with Napoli this summer.

As Osimhen’s current contract has two years remaining, Napoli is eager to extend his stay to prevent the risk of losing him for free next year. Negotiations are underway between Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, and De Laurentiis to hammer out a new deal in Naples.

While Napoli aims for a release clause of €200 million (£170m), the Nigerian forward is adamant about a lower buy-out fee of €120 million (£104m). The negotiations continue as both parties seek common ground.

Since his move from Lille to Napoli in 2020, Osimhen has made an indelible mark on the Italian outfit, featuring in 101 games and registering an impressive tally of 59 goals and 14 assists.

Though clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United have seemingly moved on to other targets this summer, Bayern Munich, who were previously linked to Osimhen, are now setting their sights on Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.