Osimhen rejects Napoli’s new contract with major salary cut

Victor Osimhen has turned down a substantial salary reduction proposed by Napoli, which was part of a new contract extension offer. This development comes as his transfer situation remains unresolved, with just a week left before the close of the transfer window. Despite the ongoing speculation, no concrete bids have been made for the Nigerian striker, raising the possibility that he may remain with the Italian club.

According to football commentator Massimo Sparnelli, Napoli offered Osimhen a deal that included a salary cut, an extension of his contract until 2030, and the opportunity to be the club’s key figure. The player, who currently earns over 10 million euros annually, saw the new deal proposing a lower wage of between six and seven million euros per year.

Sparnelli revealed The player refused. I can confirm that De Laurentiis Napoli’s president made these offers, while also promising to make Osimhen the face of the club, but Osimhen rejected the deal.

Editorial

We believe Victor Osimhen’s decision to reject Napoli’s new contract terms reflects a broader trend in football, where players are increasingly aware of their market value and are unwilling to settle for less than they deserve. In Osimhen’s case, his current form and contribution to the team make it clear that he is in a strong negotiating position. He knows that, as one of the top strikers in Europe, other clubs might be willing to meet his financial expectations, especially as his reputation continues to grow.

Napoli, on the other hand, is trying to strike a balance between maintaining their financial stability and keeping hold of their star player. The offer of a pay cut, while extending his contract and making him the face of the club, seems like an effort to retain his services without overextending their wage budget. However, Osimhen’s refusal suggests that the offer didn’t match his expectations, or perhaps he is waiting to explore better options.

As fans and observers, we must consider the impact of such negotiations on the team’s overall morale and performance. If Napoli fails to retain Osimhen or replace him with an equally talented player, they could face a challenging season ahead. On the other hand, Osimhen’s future could be shaped by the decisions he makes in this crucial period of his career. Both sides must navigate this carefully to avoid an outcome where both the player and the club lose out.

Osimhen’s decision also highlights the complexities of modern football contracts, where it’s not just about salary but also long term career planning, personal branding, and potential legacy. As Napoli looks to secure their future with or without Osimhen, it will be interesting to see how this saga unfolds.

In the end, whether Osimhen stays or goes, this situation underscores the importance of recognising one’s value in a rapidly changing football landscape. Both players and clubs must adapt to the evolving dynamics of the sport.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Osimhen became the most expensive African player when Napoli signed him for €70 million in 2020.
2. Osimhen was awarded the Serie A Best Young Player in the 2021–2022 season.
3. Before Napoli, Osimhen played for Lille, where he scored 18 goals in his only season with the French club.
4. In 2015, Osimhen won the FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals for Nigeria.
5. Osimhen overcame malaria early in his career, which significantly affected his performance before his professional breakthrough.