The unstoppable forward is Nigeria’s most valuable player at the moment, and it could take a monumental salary to convince him to leave Italy
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have returned with an audacious salary package, reportedly exceeding €1 million per week, in a bid to lure Victor Osimhen away from Napoli, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward, who made history by becoming the first-ever African to clinch the Capocannoniere title in Serie A, remains determined to secure a new contract with his current club, Napoli.
Osimhen’s sensational form last season saw him net an impressive 26 goals in just 32 Serie A appearances, playing a crucial role in Napoli’s triumphant Scudetto-winning campaign.
His current contract with the Italian side extends until June 2025, prompting intense negotiations between his agent and Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis to hammer out an extension.
However, the parties are at loggerheads over the all-important release clause.
Napoli are steadfast in setting the release clause at a minimum of €150 million, while Osimhen’s representatives are pushing for a lower figure of €110 million, potentially paving the way for a high-stakes contract standoff.
Despite Napoli’s efforts to secure his future at the club, rumours continue to swirl that Al-Hilal have not given up hope on signing the 24-year-old striker.
Al-Hilal reportedly offered Napoli €140 million for the Super Eagles striker, which was duly rejected. That bid came with a €1 million salary for Osimhen but it did not convince the 24-year-old.
Eager to make a major statement in the football world, Al-Hilal are back dangling a salary offer surpassing the eye-watering €1 million per week mark in an attempt to entice Osimhen to their ranks, as per Ben Jacobs.
Al-Hilal still haven't given up on Victor Osimhen and have offered him close to £1m-per-week. Saudi side have already had a bid rejected. Al-Hilal looking for one more box-office signing after failing to sign Messi and Mbappe.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 5, 2023
Napoli still pushing for Osimhen to extend.🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/qj9too2hzM
Napoli paid €75 million, plus bonuses, to acquire Osimhen’s services from Lille in 2020 and the Parthenopeans are willing to let Osimhen go for €200 million.
Moneybags Al-Hilal can match that. And with the Saudi side’s persistent overtures and the allure of a record-breaking salary package, the player’s immediate future hangs in the balance.
In the face of these lucrative temptations, Victor Osimhen has firmly expressed his intentions to stay committed to his career path, demonstrating no inclination to move to the Saudi Pro League at this pivotal stage of his career.