Napoli to extend Osimhen’s contract

According to reports in Italian media, Napoli are considering offering star striker Victor Osimhen a bumper contract following interests from top European clubs this season.

The 23-year-old Nigerian forward’s future at Partenopei has been a subject of speculation following his decent form since the start of the 2022/23 season.

He has had an impressive start to the season with 10 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.

Top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle have reportedly shown interest in signing the prolific goal poacher, but the Parthenopeans are not willing to let their star player leave in January and are set to offer him a lucrative contract at the end of the season.

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Napoli could use a clause in the Stability Decree to raise Osimhen’s salary and ward off interest from Manchester United and Newcastle and other top clubs vying for the former Lille man’s signature.

“This is not the time to discuss renewal, but we are trying to create the conditions to be able to talk about it, perhaps in late spring when the season will be defined and we will prepare for a long summer on the transfer market,” La Gazzetta dello Sport said, as reported by Tutton Napoli.

Osimhen’s contract expires in 2025 and the Serie A leaders want to use a clause in the ‘Stability Decree’ to raise his salary, avoiding a financial burden for the club.

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“In the Napoli renewal plan, there is also the extension of Victor Osimhen ‘s contract. Grown more than ever this year, interest has already rained down on him, from the Premier League and beyond. The Nigerian still has a long contract, expiring in June 2025, but Napoli could continue.

“Currently the forward earns 4.5m euro net plus bonuses, a figure that is still sustainable even in the new Napoli project – which provides for salaries that do not go beyond 3.5m net, i.e. almost seven gross – for a technicality.”

The Nigeria international currently earns 4.5m per season, but thanks to the Stability Decree, Napoli pay slightly less than €6m before taxes, rather than €9m. On paper, it is no longer applicable after five years, but any company can stretch its duration if an employee has a child and owns a house in the country.

“Thanks to the decree, the club pays a gross of just under €6m. It will not be possible to take advantage of this tax relief after five years unless Osimhen has a child in Italy and owns an apartment, de facto conditions possible for the Nigerian.”

In the Italian Serie A season 2022/23, Victor Osimhen has played 10 matches (plus 1 as a sub) and have scored 9 goals (8.64 xG) from 15 shots taken.