Victor Osimhen, Napoli still at loggerheads over new contract

By Wale Mustapha

There’s still much on the table to be ironed out between Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen and Napoli over renewing his contract.

The Super Eagles’ forward has been sensational with the Partenopei since two seasons ago he arrived from Lille.

He was instrumental to ending Napoli’s long wait to winning Serie A title last season scoring 26 goals in 31 games.

Osimhen also contributed five goals in the UEFA Champions League to help Napoli to their first-ever quarterfinal finish last season.

His impressive performances have however convinced Napoli to offer him a new long term contract before the expiration of the current one in 2025.

However, Osimhen has not been convinced with what Napoli are offering making the deal to drag on since end of last season.

Osimhen’s relationship with the club has also suffered a dent following the TikTok video that the club posted to mock him.

Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli president is also worsening the situation as he threatened to sell Osimhen if he refuse to sign the new deal.

The Nigerian forward recently returned to Napoli after the international break due to injury and personal issues.

Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso who confirmed his return disclosed that situations regarding the new deal remain as they were but positive of meaningful end to it.

“Osimhen is back in the city today. We’ve been negotiating for months; it’s a long negotiation. We will see how it goes, step by step,” Meluso told media.

Napoli will have no choice than to sell Osimhen next summer if he refuses to sign the new contract

He is valued at around €120m by the club but they could cash in on him with a reduced offer in the summer.