Victor Osimhen’s future appears to be heading far from Europe, with reports from Saudi Arabia claiming the Nigerian striker has reached a full agreement with Al-Hilal.
The 26-year-old forward, who was instrumental in Galatasaray’s run to a third consecutive Turkish Super Lig title, is said to have signed off on a lucrative three-year contract with the Riyadh-based giants.
According to reports, Osimhen will earn €45 million annually in wages, a staggering deal that shows Al-Hilal’s financial power in this new era of Gulf football expansion.
The Saudi club have also reportedly informed Napoli of their willingness to meet the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year’s €75 million release clause. The striker remains under contract with the Serie A side, though his year-long loan spell in Istanbul has reignited interest from multiple quarters.
European giants left behind in pursuit for Victor Osimhen
Chelsea and Manchester United had both been tracking Osimhen, but his high wages and Napoli’s valuation presented significant obstacles.
Both Premier League clubs are believed to be working within tight financial parameters this summer and may not be able to match the Saudi offer unless they sanction major sales.
Galatasaray had quietly hoped to keep their leading man beyond his loan spell, but those ambitions faded after club president Dursun Özbek acknowledged hearing about a massive offer from Saudi Arabia.
The Nigeria international, for his part, has little left to prove at club level. Across spells with Charleroi, Lille, Napoli, and most recently Galatasaray, he has racked up 150 goals and 36 assists in 247 appearances.
After a proposed move to Al-Hilal collapsed last summer, it now appears the deal is back on track. This time, Osimhen looks set to finally take the leap; trading Europe’s limelight for a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
