Julius OkorieVictor Osimhen’s transfer to Saudi League side, Al-Hilal, is progressing at a fast rate it has been revealed.
Osimhen whose exploits in short loan stay with Galatasaray saw the Turkish giants win two titles in a jiffy, is at the centre of transfer web involving not just a determined Saudi side but avalanche of European clubs, seeking to add the Nigerian international to their squad.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a major development that could reshape the Saudi Pro League, the former Lille of France star, is on the verge of joining Al-Hilal in a deal reportedly worth up to €50 million, subject to final government approval.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist, Sacha Tavolieri, Victor Osimhen is in advanced talks with Al-Hilal president, Fahad bin Nafel, with personal terms nearly finalised.
The proposed contract would see Osimhen earn up to €17.5 million annually, including bonuses, on a three-season deal.
However, while negotiations between Osimhen and Al-Hilal have progressed swiftly, the final hurdle remains approval from the Saudi Ministry of Sports.
The Ministry’s “financial viability” committee has yet to authorise the release of funds necessary for the transfer, effectively stalling the club’s ability to formalise an agreement with Napoli.
“While personal terms are close to being reached between Osimhen and Fahad bin Nafel, Al Hilal cannot yet validate this transfer,” Tavolieri noted.
“Indeed, the Saudi club is waiting to receive the total amount expected from the Saudi government to finalise the transaction, and thus contact Napoli to conclude the agreement between the clubs.”
Despite the delay, sources say all parties remain optimistic that the deal will be completed soon. Osimhen has reportedly communicated his desire to move to the Saudi champions directly to bin Nafel, marking a significant turn in his transfer saga.
The 26-year-old striker, who is still under contract with Napoli until 2026—with an option to extend to 2027—had previously been linked with several top European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Juventus. However, his wage demands reportedly proved too steep for most European suitors.
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If completed, the move would be another major statement from the Saudi Pro League, continuing its aggressive recruitment of global football stars and signalling Osimhen’s shift from European elite football to the Middle East’s rising football powerhouse.
In fact should Osimhen eventually join the super stars train to Saudi Arabia, he will be swelling the list of footballer big wigs that have joined the Saudi pro League in in the last two years. Some of the big names that now ply their trade in the oil reach nation include Portugal Captain Captain and six-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United, Karim Benzema from Real Madrid to Al Ittihad, Neymar from PSG to Al Hilal, N’Golo Kante from Chelsea to Al Ittihad, Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea to Al Hilal and Sadio Mane from Bayern Munich to Al Nassr.
Others include Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan to Al Nassr Riyad, Mahrez from Manchester City to Al Ahli and Roberto Firmino from Liverpool to Al Ahli just to mention a few.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s triumphant 2024-2025 season, helping the club secure the Turkish Süper Lig title as well as the Turkish Cup.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
