By Femi Fabunmi
Victor Osimhen has once again proven he’s not easily swayed by money. The Nigerian striker has reportedly rejected a jaw-dropping €26 million (around ₦46 billion) annual salary offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, signaling that legacy and ambition still matter in modern football, PM News can authoritatively report.
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of the 26-year-old hit a roadblock not just with the player, but also with Napoli.
It would be recalled that the Italian club dismissed the Saudi club’s initial transfer bid reportedly €65 million plus bonuses as insufficient, reiterating their demand for the full €75 million (about ₦134 billion) release clause set in Osimhen’s contract.
According to Sources from Italy, Al-Hilal’s intent to secure Osimhen’s signature, including a direct phone call from newly appointed coach Simone Inzaghi, who recently left Inter Milan for the Middle East.
Football Italia, Sky Sport Italia, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano all report Napoli’s outright rejection of the Saudi approach. Meanwhile, Sky Sports Deutschland suggests Turkish champions Galatasaray where Osimhen scored 37 goals during a standout loan season have proposed making the move permanent, offering €15 million in wages and a €65 million fee. That deal, too, seems unlikely to progress.
Lending his voice on the transfer saga, former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr weighed in and called for caution on the matter.
“Victor should stay in Europe to continue progressing. A move to Saudi Arabia is best left for the later stages of his career,” Rohr advised.
He concluded, “Victor is intelligent and will make the right choice. We can only support him as he navigates these offers.
The Nigerian striker is expected to make known where he would play his trade next season.
Osimhen emerged the highest goal scorer in Turkey scoring a total of 37 goals and scooping Galatasaray player of the season.
Galatasaray are also making move to sign the mercurial attacker on a permanent deal.
