Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is once again at a major crossroads. Even though he’s one of Europe’s top goal scorers, finding his next team is proving to be a real puzzle. He just turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabia, adding another twist to his ongoing transfer saga.
Osimhen, who is 26, had an amazing 2024/2025 season. He scored a stunning 37 goals in just 41 games for Turkish champions Galatasaray, helping them win both the league and cup. Despite these incredible performances, he’s finding it tough to secure a permanent move to a club he truly prefers in Europe.
The Saudi Snub: A Staggering Offer Rejected
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal desperately wanted Osimhen. They even made him their top target for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Their offer was massive: €120 million (about ₦192 billion) per year for three years, meaning he’d get around ₦1.5 billion every week! They also agreed on a €75 million (about ₦120 billion) transfer fee with Napoli, his parent club.
However, as French outlet Foot Mercato reported, “The offer was quite impressive but ultimately did not convince the player.” This marks the third time Osimhen has said no to Al Hilal, having first rejected them last year. It seems his desire to play at the highest level in Europe outweighs even the most extravagant financial offers.
A Familiar Story: Last Summer’s Waiting Game
This situation feels familiar for Osimhen. Last summer, he also faced an uncertain future after some disagreements with the management at Napoli. When new coach Antonio Conte arrived, it became clear Osimhen wasn’t central to his plans.
Top European clubs like Chelsea (from the English Premier League) and PSG (from the French Ligue 1) showed interest. But these moves fell through because of Osimhen’s high wage demands and Chelsea’s unwillingness to pay the huge transfer fee Napoli was asking for.
At that time, Al Hilal first tried to sign him, but Osimhen again said no, wanting to stay in Europe’s competitive leagues. When things looked bleak, Galatasaray stepped in with a loan deal that worked for everyone – Napoli, Osimhen, and the Turkish club. This proved to be a brilliant move, as he helped Galatasaray achieve a historic double.
What’s Next for Osimhen? Four Paths Forward
Now, Osimhen is expected to return to Napoli to figure out his next move before the 2025/2026 season kicks off. He currently has four main choices:
- Stay at Napoli: This seems unlikely. Even though he’d still get his weekly salary, new coach Antonio Conte already has Romelu Lukaku as his main striker. It would be very hard for Osimhen to displace Lukaku. Plus, his strained relationship with Napoli’s management could lead to him being sidelined, which would hurt his market value if he’s not playing.
- Wait for More Options: This is a strategy that worked perfectly for Osimhen last year. When no one expected it, Galatasaray came “out of the blue” to offer him a lifeline. This “waiting game” could once again lead to an unexpected and career-defining opportunity.
- Secure a Promising European Move: If he waits, he might get lucky and attract interest from a top club in a league he truly desires. Osimhen has openly stated his dream of playing in the English Premier League. Waiting could give him the chance to finally make that happen.
- Reconsider Saudi Arabia (Less Likely): While he’s rejected offers thrice, if no other European options materialize, the Saudi Pro League remains an incredibly lucrative choice. However, his consistent rejections show his strong preference for European football.
Victor Osimhen’s future remains a captivating story. His decision will not only impact his career but also send a message about the balance between ambition, competitive football, and immense financial rewards in today’s global game.
