Victor Osimhen: Why Al Hilal move is off the table for Super Eagles strike

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen continues to dominate the headlines as speculation surrounding his future persists, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The 27-year-old Nigerian marksman has attracted interest from many top European clubs this summer. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea are just some of the elite sides monitoring him.

​However, none of the talks have materialized so far. These European heavyweights are not the only clubs eyeing Osimhen; in previous years, he was linked with sides like Neom and Al Ahli. Two weeks ago, reports also emerged that Al Hilal had submitted a €130 million verbal offer, which was rejected.

​Although Fabrizio Romano stated that there was very little substance to the Al Hilal links, he confirmed that the Saudi giants were in need of a top striker.

​That assertion made sense due to Marcos Leonardo’s departure to Ajax and Darwin Núñez’s loan move to Al Diriyah.

​Since then, the speculation has cooled significantly. In the meantime, a new development ensures that Al Hilal will not be pursuing Osimhen for the foreseeable future.

​Why Victor Osimhen’s Links To Al Hilal Will Stop

​Victor Osimhen’s links to Al Hilal are expected to pause for a few years because the club has found another quality striker.

​According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal are set to complete the signing of English striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

🔵⚪️✈️ Understand Ollie Watkins is now flying to Saudi Arabia with his agents to complete Al Hilal move.

Aston Villa to receive €58.4m plus €2m add-ons as revealed on Wednesday. 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/6wXmgPBFNc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2026

​The deal will cost Al Hilal €58.4 million, plus €2 million in add-ons. It appears to be good business for all parties involved, as Aston Villa are pocketing nearly €60 million for a player who turns 31 in December.

​For Watkins, this is a chance to earn millions more, while Al Hilal secure their center-forward position for at least the next three years.

​For Osimhen and Galatasaray, now that the former Saudi Pro League champions have resolved their striker vacancy, the club will be off his trail for at least the next two years.

​But Osimhen Can Still Move

​Galatasaray have been vehement in their stance that Osimhen is not for sale this summer. The striker has also consistently repeated that he is happy in Istanbul. That is understandable, given that he earns over €16 million gross per year.

​However, the transfer market remains volatile, and clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester United, and potentially Atlético Madrid are actively searching for strikers.

​Galatasaray paid €75 million for Osimhen just one year ago, so if they receive an offer in the region of €150 million, they could be persuaded to sell.

​Moreover, Osimhen has always wanted to play in the Premier League. If a top European side demonstrates the willingness to splash the cash, the former African Footballer of the Year could still exit Istanbul.