Napoli coach Rafa Benitez has given the green light to negotiate an extension which will keep the former Liverpool coach on the Partenopei bench, and provide an opportunity to leave after next summer’s Euro 2016 tournament should the Spanish national team job become available.
Discussion of a new contract has swung in multiple directions all season with Benitez’s contract expiring this June and been a source of debate since Napoli’s campaign began ignominiously with a Champions League playoff loss to Athletic Club.
La Repubblica reported Benitez requested the inclusion of the clause and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is evaluating the proposal and will negotiate terms with Benitez’s agent, Jose Maria Quillon, on an extension.
Napoli’s appearance in the Europa League semi-final and a recent upturn in form, a midweek embarrassment to Empoli notwithstanding, has spurred talk of a potential extension. Benitez is reportedly open to continuing his adventure with the Vesuviani provided he has an escape route to land a post guiding La Furia Roja after Euro 2016.
The proposed renewal would keep Benitez on Napoli’s bench for the next four years at a salary of €4 million per season, a figure which would put Benitez in line with Inter’s Roberto Mancini for highest paid coach in Serie A.
