'It was tempting' - Osimhen reveals why he turned down lucrative Saudi Arabia deal

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has lifted the lid on why he turned down a big money offer to the Saudi Professional League last summer.

The Nigerian international was reportedly linked with a move away from the Naples-based club following his remarkable season with the club.

The 24-year-old helped Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years and also won the Capocannoniere award after netting 26 goals in 32 appearances.

His performance attracted interest from all over Europe as some of the elite clubs raced for his signature.

Outside Europe, Osimhen was reportedly being pursued by Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Hilal side.

Sky Sports reports that the Saudi club submitted an offer of £120 million to Napoli to sign the Super Eagles star and offered him a salary of almost £1mil per week.

Speaking in a podcast session with John Mikel Obi, the ex-Lille striker noted that the offer was difficult to turn down.

“I have to be honest, I never thought of it at first,” Osimhen told Mikel

“When the Saudi Arabia offer came, it was tempting, a bit huge to refuse. I had about three meetings with the club and society. I spoke to the manager, and he shared his plans, which I keyed into, and then I made up my mind to stick with the team.”
“It didn't happen overnight. We already spoke about my future at the end of last season, but you never know what the future holds, and we'll see,” he added.

WDN