Official: 'We are very happy at Osimhen's arrival' - Napoli Boss Laurentiis confirms the Nigerian 'cost €80m'

SSC Napoli Nigerian pro striker Victor Osimhen. Photo: SSCNapoli

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

The 21-year-old striker was finally announced this afternoon, 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.”

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.

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