De Laurentiis: Osimhen actually cost Napoli €80m

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, has confirmed that Lille ‘will receive circa €80million’ for the Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, who was the main target for Gennaro Gattuso, and the player will earn ‘€4-4.5m’ per year.

It was initially speculated that the deal would be sealed with €70 million but after Osimhen changed his agent, it suddenly raised up in value.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the actual cash fee is only €47.5m net (€50m gross), with another €10m in hard to get bonuses, plus four players put together and valued at €20m.

The 21-year-old Nigerian striker becomes the Serie A club’s record signing after joining for an initial €50 million-plus add-ons.

Welcome Victor
👉 https://t.co/Gmi6FnvO21#WelcomeOsimhen
💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/miFie1wyoO

— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) July 31, 2020

The 21-year-old striker was finally announced unveiled on Friday, following weeks of complex negotiations and moments in which it looked as if the whole deal was off.

“We are very happy at Osimhen’s arrival,” said De Laurentiis on Radio Kiss Kiss.

“The young man has been enchanted by Partenope (the ancient name for Naples, ndr). He will wear the Number 9 jersey.”

This is only a taster of the full radio interview, which will be transmitted this evening, but the radio station did release some key quotes, including the debate over how much the transfer cost.

“Gattuso really wanted to sign Osimhen. (Director of sport Cristiano) Giuntoli did a great job because the lad changed his agents during the negotiations.

“Lille will receive circa €80m, while the player over the years will get between €4m and €4.5m per season.”

read also:Osimhen talks tough after sealing €50m Napoli switch

These are goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, plus youth team players Claudio Manzi, Ciro Palmieri and Luigi Liguori.