In a bold move to secure the services of Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have reportedly tabled a staggering €50 million per season salary offer, equivalent to approximately N89 billion annually. This latest proposal marks a significant escalation from earlier bids, which included a €30 million per year offer (around N72 billion) and a €40 million base with €5 million in add-ons, both of which Osimhen is said to have rejected. The Nigerian forward, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest talents, has been a prime target for Al-Hilal as they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup, aiming to bolster their squad with a marquee signing.
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Osimhen has been relentless, with the club reportedly willing to meet Napoli’s €75 million release clause to facilitate the transfer. The Saudi club’s financial muscle is evident in their ability to offer such an astronomical salary, dwarfing what most European clubs can propose.
Despite the eye-watering financial package, Osimhen’s reluctance to move to Saudi Arabia remains a significant hurdle. Sources indicate that the forward has consistently prioritized staying in Europe, where he believes he can continue to compete at the highest level and further cement his legacy. His stellar performance during a loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in a single season, has only strengthened his resolve to remain in a top European league, with Galatasaray themselves offering a €15 million per season deal to keep him permanently.
The N89 billion salary figure, while staggering, is not without precedent in the Saudi Pro League, where clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund have lured stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar with similar blockbuster deals. Al-Hilal’s strategy appears to be twofold: secure a world-class talent to elevate their domestic and international standing, and make a statement in global football by outbidding Europe’s elite. However, the cultural and competitive differences between the Saudi Pro League and Europe’s top leagues may be a sticking point for Osimhen, who has expressed a desire to emulate the careers of African legends like George Weah and Didier Drogba in Europe.
Napoli, Osimhen’s parent club, are in a strong negotiating position due to the player’s €75 million release clause, which ensures they will not let him go cheaply. Reports suggest that Al-Hilal have already engaged in direct talks with Napoli, proposing to meet this clause while also offering Osimhen a multi-year contract that would make him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. Yet, Napoli’s willingness to let their star striker go could hinge on their ability to find a suitable replacement, given Osimhen’s pivotal role in their 2022-23 Serie A title triumph.
Osimhen’s camp has remained relatively tight-lipped, but sources close to the player suggest he is carefully considering his options. His loan stint at Galatasaray, where he developed a strong connection with the fans and delivered prolific goal-scoring form, has made the Turkish club a viable option, though their €15 million per season offer pales in comparison to Al-Hilal’s. Meanwhile, European clubs like Chelsea, who have long admired Osimhen’s physicality and finishing, are reportedly preparing bids, though none have matched the financial might of the Saudi proposal.
The broader context of this transfer battle reflects the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League in global football. By targeting players in their prime, like Osimhen, rather than solely veterans nearing the end of their careers, Saudi clubs are signaling their ambition to compete with Europe’s elite leagues. Al-Hilal’s investment in infrastructure, coaching, and high-profile signings, including the likes of Neymar and Kalidou Koulibaly, underscores their long-term vision to dominate Asian football and make waves on the global stage.
For Osimhen, the decision is not merely financial but also deeply personal and professional. At 26, he is at the peak of his powers, with a career trajectory that could see him become Africa’s next Ballon d’Or contender. Moving to Saudi Arabia could offer unparalleled wealth but risks diminishing his visibility in Europe, where the Champions League and major international tournaments remain the pinnacle of the sport.
As the transfer window progresses, Al-Hilal’s N89 billion offer stands as a testament to their determination to land Osimhen. Whether the Nigerian star will succumb to the financial allure or hold firm in his European ambitions remains uncertain. Fans and analysts alike should approach these reports with caution, as transfer negotiations are notoriously fluid, and Osimhen’s final decision could hinge on factors beyond money, including his desire for competitive glory and a lasting legacy in football.
