Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has rejected a massive salary offer of €26 million (about ₦46 billion) per year from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Italian sports news outlets reported that Al-Hilal made an official move to sign the 26-year-old striker, but both Osimhen and his current club, Napoli, turned down the offer.
Football Italia confirmed the Saudi club also offered Napoli €65 million plus bonuses to buy Osimhen, but Napoli rejected the bid, saying they want the full €75 million (about ₦134 billion) release clause to be paid.
Reports say Osimhen is not ready to leave European football unless the offer is extremely attractive. The €26 million salary offer, even with bonuses, was not enough to tempt him.
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Al-Hilal’s new coach, Simone Inzaghi, who recently moved from Inter Milan, personally called Osimhen to convince him, but the striker remained firm in his decision.
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr advised Osimhen to stay in Europe for now.
“Victor should stay in Europe in order to progress positively still, and not to run to Saudi Arabia. Going to Saudi Arabia should be towards the end of his career and not now,” Rohr told NationSport.
He added, “Victor will do what he wants. We have to wish him the best.”
Meanwhile, Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are reportedly looking at other players, and Juventus have also stepped away from chasing Osimhen.
Galatasaray, where Osimhen played on loan and scored 37 goals in all competitions last season, reportedly offered €15 million per season and a €65 million transfer fee to make his move permanent, but this may not be accepted by Napoli or the player either.
As the summer transfer window continues, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain—but what’s clear is that he won’t be leaving Europe easily.