Release clause, image right delays Osimhen’s new Napoli contract

Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen's contract renewal is being delayed by disagreement over who controls his image rights and his release clause.

The two parties were on the verge of putting pen to paper on an extension in late August. While the talks between the parties were advanced enough to repel any suitor, the new contract has yet to be finalized.

Per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the striker and his camp are hesitating for a pair of reasons. Aurelio De Laurentiis wishes to introduce a €140/150M release clause after turning down €200M. The massive sum would preclude several teams from trying to sign him.

Moreover, Osimhen has some reservations about his image rights, even though Napoli gave him more freedom than their other players. His contract with Nike is up at the end of the year. He’d like to benefit from his new sponsorship deal fully, as has been the case so far since the team made an exception when he joined from Lille. The new figures will be hefty in that case too.

Since the window is now closed in Europe and in Saudi Arabia, the topic is less urgent. The parties will take their time to iron out the details. The Nigerian star will at least double his current €4.5M wages.

While holding onto him this summer was no easy feat, his agent might be setting up his departure in 2024. His leverage will increasingly augment as long as he leaves the club hanging.