The dream of a Victor Osimhen transfer to Paris Saint-Germain now appears to be fading fast.
With negotiations between Napoli and the French giants hitting an impasse, the Nigerian striker faces a difficult choice: stay put in Naples or embark on a lucrative adventure in the Saudi Pro League.
While a Ligue 1 return would undoubtedly appeals to the 25-year-old, the reality of the situation could force a rethink. Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, two of the Saudi Pro League’s most ambitious clubs, are circling like vultures, their chequebooks at the ready.
It is a scenario that would have been unthinkable even a year ago. However, if the Gulf is ultimately Osimhen's transfer destination, is it really the end of the world for his career? There are compelling arguments to suggest it need not be.
The Saudi Pro League is improving rapidly
The Saudi Pro League is no longer a footballing backwater. The rapid evolution of the Saudi league has transformed it from a retirement destination for ageing stars into a genuine footballing force, as an influx of global superstars has elevated the league’s profile, and the financial muscle being flexed by Saudi clubs is unparalleled..
Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, in particular, have assembled star-studded squads capable of competing at the highest level. Playing alongside such world-class players could be a valuable experience for Osimhen.
At the start of last summer, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante joined defending champions Al Ittihad, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy signed for Al Ahli, and former Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly joined rivals Al Hilal. Since then, the transfers have continued.
Marcelo Brozovic moved to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, Roberto Firmino completed a free transfer move to Al Ahli after leaving Liverpool, while Serbian star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic accepted a sensational move to Al Hilal. The biggest move to the Saudi Pro League so far came via Al Hilal's swoop to sign world transfer record holder Neymar.
While a move to Saudi Arabia might not be the dream scenario envisaged, an Osimhen transfer there would be far from a career-ending decision. The landscape of world football is changing rapidly, and the Saudi Pro League is emerging as a genuine force to be reckoned with.
The benefit of a less physically demanding league
The physical demands of playing in Europe can be relentless. The Saudi Pro League, while competitive, is generally less physically demanding, which could potentially help to manage Osimhen’s persistent health problems.
The Nigeria international's time in Italy has been frequently interrupted due to injury, a factor that perhaps explains the reticence of Premier League clubs to open negotiations for his signing at Napoli's preferred price point.
The lucrative package on offer for an Osimhen transfer to Saudi
Of course, the financial incentives are impossible to ignore. The wages on offer in Saudi Arabia are astronomical, and it would be naive to suggest that money isn’t a significant factor in any player’s decision-making process.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli from Lille in 2020, signed a new contract in December that earns him a weekly wage of £253,000 but he stands to earn a lot more in Saudi.
In 2023, Al Hilal reportedly made an offer worth €140m (£120.3m) to Napoli for striker Victor Osimhen, with wages on offer in the region of £1m per week.
Osimhen transfer to Saudi does not rule out Europe return
At 25, Osimhen is still young enough to make a return to European football later in his career.
This is important to note for those who prioritise competing in and winning the biggest club prizes on offer.
While the AFC Champions League cannot hold a candle to the UEFA equivalent, and playing in a major European league would afford him maximum visibility, an Osimhen transfer to the Gulf need not signal the end of his career at the top level. If he wanted, he could return to Europe even after three yeears still in his prime, giving him the best of both worlds: a tidy financial windfall, as well as a shot at greatness on the biggest stage.
