Victor Osimhen signs with Napoli until 2026: Super Eagles star puts Chelsea rumor to bed

Super Eagles of Nigeria star Victor Osimhen has signed a contract extension with Napoli through June 2026, which includes a €130 million release clause.

The striker from Nigeria has now signed the fully documented deal after weeks of speculation.

This will significantly raise his current salary 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.

Despite the extension, there are rumors that Napoli plans to sell Osimhen in the summer of 2024 to balance the books and save 75% on taxes for this salary.

The center forward was instrumental in the team winning its first Scudetto in more than 30 years after joining from LOSC in September 2020 for a fee of €75 million with bonuses.

Chelsea icon John Obi-Mikel previously approached Victor Osimhen about joining the Blues team in the summer.

On his "Obi One Podcast," he pleaded with the Napoli striker to transfer to Stamford Bridge, even joking that he would help close the deal.

Many have speculated that Chelsea is now searching for a striker to fill in what appears to be the void in their lineup.

Among those most strongly associated with a move to Stamford Bridge is Osimhen.

Mikel, nevertheless, is eager to get him to the team and believes the Blues are in dire need of a player such as him.

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.

He attracted a lot of attention since he distinguished himself as one of Europe's most dangerous center forwards.

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.

Osimhen's contract extension now means he has a chance to stay or move this summer.