Victor Osimhen has a big transfer decision to make as his family appears to be rallying behind the idea of the Nigerian striker making a move to Saudi Arabia and signing with Al-Hilal, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen, whose talent has captured the interest of Al-Hilal, has been at the center of a notable €100 million bid from the former Saudi Pro League champions.
Napoli, Osimhen’s current club, swiftly rejected this initial offer from Al-Hilal.
However, the situation is far from stagnant.
The rumour mill hints at Al-Hilal’s intention to escalate their bid, eager to rope in Osimhen and add his name to the growing list of European stars lured to the Middle East.
Despite this external interest, the 24-year-old striker appears inclined toward either remaining with Napoli or potentially making a shift to the Premier League, Ligue 1, or La Liga, where major clubs are vying for his services.
However, Osimhen’s stance may be at odds with that of his family and friends.
According to information sourced from Corriere del Mezzogiorno via Tutto Napoli, a significant portion of Osimhen’s inner circle, comprising friends, family members, and intermediaries, seems to be in favour of him embracing the lucrative offer put forth by Al-Hilal.
The numbers behind this offer are nothing short of staggering.
Al Hilal has tabled a proposal that would see Osimhen rake in a staggering €35 million annually, with an indication that they could be willing to up the ante to beyond €40 million. This paycheck stands in stark contrast to what Napoli can feasibly provide to Osimhen if he chooses to extend his contract with the Italian club, which pales in comparison.
Should this substantial offer materialise, it would catapult Osimhen into the league of the highest-earning African athletes on the global stage.
It is this promise of unprecedented financial prosperity that seems to be capturing the attention of Osimhen’s family and close circles.
Interestingly, though, on the flip side of the negotiation table is Osimhen’s representative, Roberto Calenda.
The Italian agent remains firmly committed to steering Osimhen towards renewing his contract with Napoli.
Calenda’s engagement with Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is a consistent feature, and the most recent interaction reportedly transpired Wednesday night.
Adding to Osimhen’s allure is his remarkable track record.
The striker’s impressive tally of 26 league goals during the past season earned him the prestigious Serie A’s top goalscorer accolade, marking him as the first African to secure this achievement.
With an existing contract binding Osimhen to Napoli until 2025, the ongoing developments around his potential move will undoubtedly keep the football world on tenterhooks.