Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly opted against a transfer to Al Hilal, turning down an enhanced annual salary of €30 million (approximately N53 billion) from the Saudi Pro League club.
Football Italia has reported that Osimhen declined Al Hilal’s initial proposal of €26 million (around N46 billion) per annum for a three-year contract, while other sources, including Sky Sports, suggested that both Napoli and the player had come to a formal agreement.
Interestingly, Napoli had previously rejected Al Hilal’s offer of €70 million but later accepted a deal for the 26-year-old striker once the Saudi club agreed to pay the full €75 million release clause for players outside Serie A.
Al Hilal has been eager to secure Osimhen’s signature in time for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, commencing on June 14. The Saudi side proposed to pay the €75 million fee in three instalments after new head coach Simone Inzaghi requested an additional €6 million to close the deal following the rejection of their initial bid.
According to Football Italia reporter Alfredo Pedullà, “Osimhen’s dismissal of the Al Hilal offer appears to be final. The player wishes to continue his career in Europe. It remains uncertain if Galatasaray, where he spent the 2024-25 season, will make another attempt to secure a permanent transfer.”
During his loan spell in Istanbul, the Napoli forward scored 37 goals from 41 appearances across all competitions. Turkish journalist Onur Dincer stated that Galatasaray is also awaiting a definitive response from Osimhen, despite offering him half of Al Hilal’s proposal.
“Galatasaray is keenly awaiting his decision,” Dincer told NationSport. “They have offered him nearly €15 million, now he must decide.”
Osimhen has been with Napoli for the past five years after joining from Lille for €70 million in 2020, scoring 65 goals in 108 Serie A appearances and playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s first Serie A title in over three decades during the 2022-23 season.
However, following a challenging 2023-24 season, a transfer was anticipated. A permanent move did not materialise last summer, as negotiations with both Chelsea and Al-Ahli collapsed dramatically on deadline day. This led to his loan to Galatasaray for the 2024-25 season, where he has since netted 37 goals from 41 matches.
Now, still under contract with Napoli, Osimhen is likely to be sold to Al Hilal, who are now managed by Inzaghi following his recent exit from Inter.