Osimhen happy to step into Weah’s shoes as Napoli open new contract talks
The 24-year-old has a price tag of well over €100m and is on track to be crowned Capocannoniere with 23 goals in 28 Serie A appearances so far this season
Napoli football club official radio station is reporting that President Aurelio De Laurentiis is negotiating a new contract with Victor Osimhen’s agents.
Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli have a special deal with the club that gives them direct access and often provide information that is released in conjunction with the directors.
On Monday evening, it reported that president De Laurentiis is having direct negotiations with Osimhen’s agents over a new contract after they won the side’s first Serie A title in 33 years.
The 24-year-old has a price tag of well over €100m and is on track to be crowned Capocannoniere with 23 goals in 28 Serie A appearances so far this season.
He was signed for €75m plus various add-ons from LOSC in September 2020 and is under contract until June 2025.
The Nigeria international has been linked with the world’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
De Laurentiis has repeatedly assured fans that he has no intention of selling Osimhen this summer.
It is widely reported that if Napoli are to sacrifice one of their star names, it will most likely be South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, as he has a release clause in his contract for €45m that is valid from July 2024.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has sent a message to Liberia President George Weah after breaking his Serie A goal record
Osimhen moved to join the Gli Azzurri in 2020 and has scored 47 goals, making him the first African with the most goals in Serie A top-flight
The Nigerian sensation broke Weah’s 23-year scoring record with his equaliser against Udinese, giving him 46 Serie A goals. On Thursday, he surpassed Weah’s record this time by scoring his 47th goal from the penalty spot against Fiorentina.
The 24-year-old socked into his social media account to show his respect for the current president of Liberia, who, during his playing days, made a positive impression on all African players.
In his spectacular 18-year professional football career, which concluded in 2003, the AC Milan icon played as a striker and was often regarded as one of the best players of all time.
He wrote: “While growing up, I have always admired the great achievements of so many African legends, and His Excellency George Weah is one of them, an icon in the world of football and also a leader to his people. Someone who has motivated and inspired millions of young talents alike.
“Yesterday, it was a great honour to break his record as the top-scoring African player in Serie A history, an achievement I will forever cherish. Mr George Weah has set a foundation of excellence for individuals like me to emulate, and his legacy will forever be remembered.
“I celebrate this milestone with everyone who has inspired and supported me in this journey. Thank you for your contributions, God is the greatest.”
Osimhen hopes to set more records in Napoli’s next few games of the season after setting a new record for the most Serie goals scored by an African yesterday with 47 goals.
