Victor Osimhen, one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, is reportedly on the verge of a surprising transfer that could see him bypass Premier League giants Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal in favor of a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
The Nigerian forward enjoyed an explosive season in the Turkish Super Ligue while on loan at Galatasaray, where he found the net 25 times and provided five assists in 29 appearances. This impressive form has only increased interest in the 26-year-old, who currently remains under contract with Napoli until 2026. Notably, his contract includes a release clause of £63 million, applicable for clubs outside Italy.
Osimhen’s rise to prominence was cemented during the 2022-23 season when he scored 31 goals across all competitions, spearheading Napoli’s charge to their first Serie A title in 33 years. His performances since have earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s premier forwards, attracting interest from multiple top clubs.
Among those eager to secure his services have been several Premier League heavyweights, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Osimhen has long been linked with these clubs due to his prolific scoring record and physical style of play that resembles that of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
However, despite the buzz surrounding a potential Premier League move, recent developments suggest that Osimhen is poised to take a different path. He is reportedly in advanced talks with Al Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s top football teams. The deal, which is expected to be a three-year contract, could see Osimhen earn close to £15 million per season, reflecting the growing financial clout of the Saudi Pro League.
While the negotiations are well advanced, the finalization of the transfer hinges on the Saudi Ministry of Sports approving the release of funds needed to complete the signing. Al Hilal’s club president is confident, having reportedly received verbal confirmation of Osimhen’s desire to join the club, signaling strong mutual interest.
This potential move comes as a surprise, considering Osimhen’s stature and the traditional lure of Europe’s top leagues. It also highlights the increasing appeal of the Middle East as an alternative destination for world-class talent, especially when lucrative contracts are on the table.
Osimhen’s journey to this point has been marked by ups and downs. Last summer, he found himself in a difficult situation after Napoli’s new manager, Antonio Conte, brought in Romelu Lukaku, pushing Osimhen out of the regular squad rotation and forcing him to look for a new club. Despite numerous rumors linking him to Paris Saint-Germain and various Saudi clubs, no permanent move materialized at that time.
Throughout this period, Arsenal showed strong interest, hoping Osimhen could solve their longstanding problem of finding a reliable number 9. But despite ongoing talks, the negotiations never reached a breakthrough, leaving the door open for other suitors.
Chelsea, too, was keen on securing Osimhen’s signature, with club legends John Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba personally reaching out to persuade him to join Stamford Bridge. Mikel expressed his hope that Chelsea fans would eventually see Osimhen don the blue jersey, committing to keep encouraging the striker to prioritize a move there.
Nevertheless, the Saudi Arabian offer appears to be the most concrete and financially rewarding option on the table. This move would mark a significant shift not only for Osimhen’s career but also for how elite players view opportunities beyond the traditional European leagues.
Victor Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess, physicality, and work rate have drawn comparisons to Drogba, making him a highly coveted forward. His decision to potentially join Al Hilal underscores the evolving landscape of global football transfers, where new markets are becoming viable alternatives to established European powerhouses.
As this story develops, it remains to be seen whether Osimhen’s decision to join Al Hilal will inspire other top talents to consider moves outside Europe’s traditional leagues, especially when ambitious clubs in the Middle East offer competitive contracts and the chance to become marquee players in rapidly growing competitions.
