In light of interest from prominent European teams this season, Napoli is reportedly considering giving striker, Victor Osimhen a hefty contract.
Following his encouraging performance since the start of the 2022–23 season, questions have been raised about the 23-year-old Nigerian forward’s future at Partenopei.
His season is off to a strong start, with 10 goals in 14 games across all competitions.
Top teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle are rumored to be interested in acquiring the prolific goal scorer, but the Parthenopeans aren’t ready to let their star player leave in January and plan to present him with a lucrative contract at the end of the current campaign.
La Gazzetta Dello Sport claims that Napoli could make use of a provision in the Stability Decree to increase Osimhen’s pay and fend off interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, and other elite clubs interested in signing the former Lille player.
“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.
The Serie A leaders want to enhance Osimhen’s wage before his contract expires in 2025 by utilizing a provision in the “Stability Decree,” preventing a financial strain on the team.
“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 Stability Decree allows Napoli to pay somewhat less than €6 million before taxes, as opposed to €9 million, for the Nigerian international’s current season salary of 4.5 million euros. It officially expires after five years, but any employer may extend it if an employee has a child and a home in the countryside.
“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.”
