Nigerian international and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, despite a reported agreement between the clubs.
Osimhen was heavily linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks, with reports indicating that Al Hilal had offered him a staggering €45 million (₦1.5 billion) per week salary. However, the 26-year-old has reportedly rejected the proposal in favor of continuing his career in Europe.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Saturday, stating:
Fabrizio Romano
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BREAKING: Victor Osimhen has rejected Al Hilal proposal. Despite agreement club to club with Napoli for €75m fee, Osimhen says no to the Saudi Pro League club. Galatasaray will insist to sign him with race now open again.
The decision makes Osimhen the second high-profile player in recent days to decline a big-money move to Al Hilal, following Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who also rejected a massive offer last week.
Osimhen’s stance is seen as a major boost for European clubs interested in securing his services, with Manchester United among those reportedly desperate for attacking reinforcements.
Turkish giants Galatasaray are believed to be leading the race, aiming to reunite with the striker after a highly successful loan spell last season in which Osimhen scored 37 goals in 41 appearances.
Considered one of the top strikers in global football, Osimhen’s reluctance to move to the Saudi league has been widely applauded, with many football pundits and fans expressing concern that his talent would be underutilized in the Middle East.
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi also weighed in, encouraging Osimhen to remain in Europe.
“I don’t want to see Osimhen in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe,” Mikel said.
“It would be a shame to see him go there. So maybe Arsenal, United, Juventus, and PSG too [are his options]. Let’s see what happens.”
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will remain on Osimhen’s next move, with several top European clubs expected to intensify their pursuit of the prolific Nigerian striker.
