Napoli’s Star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Pushes for Release Clause in Contract Extension

Napoli’s prized winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has reportedly requested a release clause as a key condition in his ongoing contract extension talks. This request comes as a significant change for Napoli, a club historically resistant to including such clauses in player contracts.

In the summer of 2022, however, Napoli made a rare exception by allowing a buyout clause in their agreement with South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, marking a shift in the club’s usual contract policies. This provision allowed Kim to secure a move to Bayern Munich a year later, setting a precedent that appears to have inspired Kvaratskhelia’s current negotiations.

According to reports, Kvaratskhelia's camp is pushing for a release clause around €80 million (approximately $85 million USD). Given recent spending trends in the European transfer market, this figure is seen as realistic. Observers suggest it would allow Kvaratskhelia to explore future opportunities, potentially following in Kim’s footsteps should a major club come calling.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on November 1 (local time) that Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugheli, recently engaged in talks with Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Meluso regarding the player’s contract renewal—a dialogue ongoing since last summer.

As key players from the club’s Serie A-winning 2022-23 season, such as Kim, Victor Osimhen, and Piotr Zielinski, have since moved on, Napoli is determined to retain Kvaratskhelia as one of their core talents. However, disagreements over contract terms have stalled progress. Napoli’s stringent financial structure and cautious wage policies contrast with Kvaratskhelia’s desire to secure a top-level salary.

In June, Napoli offered Kvaratskhelia an annual salary of €5 million ($5.5 million USD), plus performance-based bonuses totaling another €1 million. Yet, Kvaratskhelia reportedly seeks a direct increase in his base salary to €8 million ($8.5 million USD), which poses a challenge for Napoli.

With negotiations at an impasse, Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has even hinted at the possibility of parting ways with Kvaratskhelia, acknowledging the ongoing difficulty in reaching an agreement.

However, recent developments suggest a possible shift in tone. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli is now prepared to offer Kvaratskhelia a contract that starts with a €6 million annual salary, which could gradually increase to his desired €8 million through incremental raises. Despite some alignment on salary, one major hurdle remains: the release clause.

Kvaratskhelia seeks a realistic buyout amount in his contract, preserving the option for a future transfer. Napoli, however, is reluctant to include such a provision for their star, fearing it may weaken their bargaining position. The club is especially wary following Osimhen’s contract, which led to similar complications.

“Negotiations over the buyout clause are at the core of this stalemate,” reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Jugheli aims to secure a clause allowing a move for €80 million next summer, but Napoli views this as undervaluing Kvaratskhelia’s worth. After rejecting a €100 million offer from PSG, the club is unwilling to entertain a lower release fee.”

The impact of Kim Min-jae’s €50 million buyout clause in 2022 has had lasting effects at Napoli. Following Kim’s departure to Bayern, other star players have cited his example in pushing for similar clauses in their contracts, setting a new trend for players aiming to leverage their performances at Napoli as a stepping stone to elite clubs. Much like the calculated odds seen on a 안전한 토토사이트, Kvaratskhelia’s contract negotiations reflect a strategic approach to balancing opportunity with long-term career goals.