Osimhen shuns Saudi Arabia, extends Napoli deal till 2026

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has signed a new deal that runs until 2026 with the Italian club.

The 24-year-old scored 26 Serie A goals in 32 appearances in 202223 as he helped Napoli win their first league title in 33 years after joining from LOSC in September 2020 for a fee of €75 million with bonuses.

With this new deal, his salary will significantly increase to €10 million each season after taxes, but more importantly, it will include a €130 million release clause that is only applicable to teams outside of Italy.

Osimhen, who managed 31 goals in all competitions last season, was crowned the Italian footballers’ association player of the year earlier this month. He has so far netted seven goals in the Italian league this season.

He also named as the African Footballer of the Year for 2023.

Osimhen previously also stated that the substantial offer from Saudi Arabia “would’ve changed his life” and made some insinuations about which Premier

League teams he might eventually support.

Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia made a genuine attempt to recruit Osimhen in the summer, offering Napoli €200 million in the process.

However, President Aurelio De Laurentiis declined, indicating that he wasn’t prepared to let the star striker go just yet.

He attracted a lot of attention since he distinguished himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous center forwards. His previous contract was scheduled to expire in 2025.

Napoli confirmed the extension to the forward’s contract on social media with a post that read “together until 2026” and a picture of Osimhen and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.