Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, has reportedly decided against a transfer to Al Hilal, having rejected an enhanced salary proposal of €30 million (approximately N53 billion) per year from the Saudi Pro League club.
According to Football Italia, Osimhen turned down Al Hilal’s initial offer of €26 million (about N46 billion) annually for a three-year contract, while other reports, including those from Sky Sports, suggest that an agreement was reached between Napoli and the player.
Interestingly, Napoli had initially rejected Al Hilal’s offer of €70 million but later accepted a deal for the 26-year-old after the Saudi club agreed to pay the full €75 million release clause for players outside Serie A.
Al Hilal has been keen to secure Osimhen in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, starting June 14. The Saudi club proposed to pay the €75 million fee in three instalments after new head coach Simone Inzaghi requested an extra €6 million-€7 million to complete the deal following the rejection of their first bid.
“The player’s rejection of the Al Hilal offer appears conclusive,” remarked Football Italia reporter Alfredo Pedullà. “Osimhen intends to continue playing in Europe. It remains to be seen whether Galatasaray, where he spent the 2024-25 season, will make a renewed attempt to secure a permanent deal.”
During his loan spell in Istanbul, Osimhen scored an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. Turkish journalist Onur Dincer revealed that Galatasaray is also awaiting a final decision from Osimhen, despite offering him half of Al Hilal’s proposal.
“Galatasaray is eagerly awaiting his decision,” Dincer told NationSport. “They have offered him nearly €15 million, and now it’s up to him to decide.”
Osimhen has been with Napoli for five years, having transferred from Lille for €70 million in 2020, netting 65 goals in 108 Serie A appearances and playing a crucial role in helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in over 30 years during the 2022-23 season.
However, after a challenging season in 2023-24, a transfer was anticipated. A permanent move did not occur in the summer of 2024, with negotiations with both Chelsea and Al-Ahli collapsing dramatically on deadline day. This led to his loan to Galatasaray for the 2024-25 season, where he has since scored 37 goals from 41 matches.
Currently, still under contract with Napoli, Osimhen is expected to be sold to Al Hilal, who are now led by Inzaghi following his recent departure from Inter.
