Sports News of Monday, 9 June 2025
Source: www.punchng.com
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has turned down a renewed mega offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, opting instead to remain in Europe as interest from top sides intensifies.
Al Hilal, who recently appointed former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as manager, had made Osimhen their top transfer priority ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
In an effort to lure the Nigerian forward who is presently in Nigeria for holiday, the Saudi giants tabled a staggering salary offer worth €120m over three years, roughly €40m annually. However, despite the lucrative nature of the deal, the 26-year-old declined.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, “The offer was quite impressive but ultimately did not convince the player.”
The report added that Osimhen “has decided to reject Al Hilal’s offer and now wishes to take his time before choosing his next club.”
This marks the third time Osimhen has rejected Al Hilal’s advances.
Italian outlet Calciomercato also detailed the breakdown of the Saudi club’s attempts, noting that the striker has successively turned down offers of €30m, €35m and most recently €45m per year.
An exclusive post on X (formerly Twitter) by Onyebuchi Onokala, a close source to the player, confirmed the development.
“Victor Osimhen officially turns down Saudi club Al Hilal first offer. It was the same offer they made last year,” Onyebuchi said.
He also revealed that a top Italian club is “keen and ready to pay Victor what he wants in wages”, while Turkish champions Galatasaray are “pushing heavy for his signature”, with the release clause reportedly not posing an obstacle for the club.
Galatasaray, who benefitted from Osimhen’s prolific form during his loan spell, where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances, remain determined to keep him.
Foot Mercato further reported that the Turkish side has tabled a new salary proposal worth €26m per year, underscoring their desire to retain one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
Meanwhile, football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also weighed in on Sunday, stating that Osimhen rejected a €75m move to Al Hilal despite an agreement between Napoli and the Saudi side.
“Despite agreement between club to club with Napoli for €75m fee, Osimhen says no to the Saudi Pro League club. Galatasaray will insist on signing him with the race now open again,” Romano posted on X.