Ex-Man United star backs Al-Hilal move for Victor Osimhen despite Galatasaray success

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has admitted he would still love to see Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen play for Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al‑Hilal someday, Afrik-Foot reports.

Ighalo’s comments come even as Osimhen is currently enjoying a successful spell with Galatasaray.

Back at Napoli, Osimhen had been strongly linked with a move to Al-Hilal before eventually choosing to remain in Europe. The Saudi club were reportedly ready to activate his €75 million release clause and offer a lucrative salary believed to be worth €40 million per season.

Instead, the Nigerian striker opted for a sporting challenge, initially joining Galatasaray on loan during the 2024-25 season before making the switch permanent after helping the Turkish giants win both the league and domestic cup.

🚨🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen was involved in every goal Galatasaray scored against Juventus.

His work rate on and off the ball is insane 🤯pic.twitter.com/cuASaPE8ED

— GNB OFFICIAL (@GHNaijaBallers) February 20, 2026

Ighalo understands why the decision was made. Speaking about the transfer choice, he stressed that footballers must always prioritise their own ambitions and career timing.

“Well, these are not mistakes, because as players we have to make our own decisions,” Ighalo told Winwin.

“For me, I wished he had gone to Al-Hilal, but Galatasaray is a big club, the biggest in Turkey, and they participate in the Champions League and perform well. And most importantly, he is performing well there with Galatasaray.”

Ighalo’s affection for Al-Hilal and Victor Osimhen’s bright future

Ighalo’s admiration for Al-Hilal comes from personal experience. The former striker enjoyed one of the most productive periods of his career in Saudi Arabia, scoring 43 goals in 60 matches and helping the club win the Saudi Pro League title in 2021-22 before lifting the King Cup the following season.

Because of that connection, he hopes Osimhen may still consider the move later in his career.

He added: “For me, and out of love for Al-Hilal as it is one of the teams I played for in Saudi Arabia, I wished that Osimhen would join it. Perhaps not now, but after the end of his experience with Galatasaray, he can still move to Al-Hilal later.”

Osimhen, though, remains firmly focused on Europe, where he is on the radar of some of the continent’s biggest clubs.

The former Lille striker has scored an impressive 52 goals in 64 appearances for Galatasaray and recently played a decisive role in their victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.