By Africa Live News
Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen has turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, opting not to make the high-profile switch to the Saudi Pro League despite an agreed €75 million transfer fee with Napoli, Africa Live News has learned.
The proposed move would have made Osimhen one of the highest-paid players in world football, with Al-Hilal reportedly offering the 27-year-old a staggering €40 million per year salary—equivalent to nearly €770,000 per week.
But Osimhen has decisively rejected the deal, demonstrating his reluctance to leave European football at a critical point in his career.
Travel and Medical Booked Before Player Rejected Deal
According to football transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Al-Hilal had completed most of the groundwork for the move, even arranging travel and medicals for Osimhen in a bid to finalise the deal before the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Victor Osimhen has turned down Al-Hilal,” Jacobs confirmed via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Travel and medical were scheduled to complete the deal in time for the Club World Cup, and a €75 million package was in place with Napoli. However, Osimhen has formally rejected Hilal’s offer.”
The information was first flagged by Nigerian sports journalist Buchi Laba, whose early scoop on the potential snub was later verified by top transfer insiders.
Osimhen Staying Put—For Now
Osimhen’s decision to remain at Napoli—at least for the time being—sends a strong message about his career ambitions. Despite the extraordinary financial rewards on offer from Al-Hilal, the Super Eagles striker appears committed to staying within the competitive ecosystem of European football.
Sources close to the player say he remains focused on playing at the highest level, with a strong desire to compete for more silverware in Europe and continue building his legacy.
The Nigerian international, who won the Serie A Golden Boot in 2022/23, has long been a target of top clubs in Europe, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. His market value remains one of the highest among African players globally, with Napoli previously slapping a €120–€130 million release clause on him.
Why Osimhen Said No
While Osimhen has yet to comment publicly, insiders suggest his rejection of Al-Hilal’s offer is grounded in several factors:
- Desire to compete in the UEFA Champions League, not just participate in domestic or regional competitions.
- Ambition to win the Ballon d’Or, a goal considered nearly impossible outside Europe’s top leagues.
- Personal branding and global exposure, which he believes are best sustained in high-visibility competitions like Serie A, Premier League, or La Liga.
- Timing, as the Club World Cup may not offer the competitive edge Osimhen is currently seeking.
“Victor is not just thinking about money. He’s thinking about his career, legacy, and the level he still wants to reach,” a close associate of the player said anonymously to Africa Live News.
Al-Hilal’s Saudi Ambition
Al-Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been aggressively pursuing top-tier international talent. In the past 12 months, the club has signed global icons such as Neymar Jr., Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Ruben Neves, offering astronomical wages and massive signing bonuses.
Their pursuit of Osimhen was part of an ongoing strategy to make Saudi clubs more competitive at international tournaments like the Club World Cup, while also boosting the Saudi Pro League’s global profile.
However, Osimhen’s rejection signals that not every elite player is ready to make the leap—especially those in their prime.
Napoli’s Transfer Strategy Complicated
Napoli, who had reportedly agreed to the €75 million transfer figure, may now be forced to reevaluate their summer plans. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has long insisted that any deal for Osimhen must meet strict financial terms. With Al-Hilal’s offer off the table, the Serie A champions may now turn their attention back to keeping the forward or reigniting talks with European suitors.
The Naples-based club recently appointed Antonio Conte as their new manager, and Osimhen’s role in the new project remains uncertain.
“We’ll speak with Victor soon,” Conte said in a recent press briefing. “He’s a fantastic player, and of course I want to work with him, but we’ll see what’s best for everyone.”
What’s Next for Osimhen?
Osimhen’s stock continues to rise after a standout 2023/24 campaign where he scored 17 goals in Serie A and contributed heavily to Napoli’s title defense, even amid managerial instability and injury setbacks.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, the striker remains a central figure in Nigeria’s national team ambitions, and staying in a top European league may be crucial for maintaining peak performance ahead of the tournament.
Clubs such as Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United could reignite their interest in Osimhen, especially as the summer transfer window heats up. His decision to snub Al-Hilal may even increase his appeal to clubs who value ambition and competitive spirit.
