Blow for Chelsea as Victor Osimhen agrees Napoli contract extension

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement in principle with his current club Napoli on a contract extension amid interest from top European clubs.

The 24-year-old striker will sign a one-year extension to his current deal, taking it to 2026 with a number new release clause according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The news comes as a blow to top clubs who were lining up to sign Osimhen, especially Chelsea who reportedly had concrete interest in a potential January move.

Osimhen’s five-year deal with Napoli was set to expire in the summer of 2025 which piqued the interest of clubs like Chelsea who hoped to use the situation to their advantage. The one-year contract extension probably does not stop Osimhen from leaving Napoli, it just gives the club much more leverage, especially with the release clause inserted.

Osimhen’s release clause is expected to be around €130 million which would make him the most expensive player in Italy and one of the most in the world when it’s met.

The Nigerian’s value is also increased by the fact that he just won the 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year Award in recognition of his incredible 2022/23 season.