Victor Osimhen is unlikely to be heading to Saudi Arabia this summer, despite reports linking him with a mega-money move to Al-Hilal, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward, who has enjoyed a sensational season on loan at Galatasaray, was reportedly the subject of serious interest from the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal said to be offering a staggering €45 million annual salary — three times more than what Premier League suitors are prepared to pay. Some outlets even suggested that Osimhen had accepted the deal.
However, those claims have now been debunked by Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, a close associate of the striker. Laba, who has frequently shared accurate updates on Osimhen’s career, categorically denied that the Napoli-owned star is considering a move to the Middle East.
Via his X account, Laba revealed that the Saudi consortium has always admired Osimhen and even made a lucrative offer last year, but Napoli's transfer demands blocked the move. Osimhen, he asserted, is not keen on any move to Saudi Arabia and tagged as ‘very false' reports that suggest the striker had agreed to join Al-Hilal.
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This development could be a significant boost for Chelsea, who remain interested in signing the 26-year-old.
Although the Blues are yet to table a formal offer to Napoli, they are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.
Arsenal are also reportedly still in the mix, while Manchester United may have pull out of the race following their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, have made Osimhen their top priority as they look to build on their Turkish Super League title success.
The Nigerian netted an incredible 36 goals and provided eight assists in 40 matches this season, to further confirm his status as one of the most lethal forwards in European football.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Osimhen was left out of Galatasaray’s squad for this weekend’s clash with Göztepe. The club has not officially commented on the decision, but it has raised fresh questions about his immediate future.
Alongside Osimhen, several key players — including Fernando Muslera, Gabriel Sara, and Lucas Torreira — will also miss the match.
As the transfer window looms, Chelsea and Arsenal remain in the hunt, but with Saudi Arabia now seemingly out of the picture, the race for Victor Osimhen just became a lot more open — and a lot more Premier League focused.
