Victor Osimhen Agrees to Al-Hilal Move, Sky Sports Italy Reports

In a stunning development in the summer transfer window, Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly accepted a lucrative contract offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, according to Sky Sports Italy. The Nigerian forward, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top talents, appears set to make a high-profile move to the Middle East, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory.

The Deal: €70 Million Bid and €30 Million Salary

Sky Sports Italy reports that Al-Hilal’s €70 million (£59m) bid for Osimhen has been accepted by Napoli, with personal terms also agreed upon with the 26-year-old forward. The proposed contract includes an eye-watering €30 million per season salary, plus performance-related bonuses, making it one of the most lucrative deals in football. The negotiations were reportedly accelerated by Al-Hilal’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, who personally reached out to Osimhen to convince him of the project’s ambition.

This move comes after months of speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future, with the striker linked to several top European clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and an unnamed Italian side. Napoli’s firm stance on his €75 million release clause had previously deterred potential suitors, but Al-Hilal’s financial muscle appears to have broken the deadlock.

Conflicting Reports and Osimhen’s European Ambitions

Despite the breakthrough reported by Sky Sports Italy, the transfer saga has been far from straightforward. Just a day earlier, on June 6, 2025, sources indicated that Osimhen had rejected multiple offers from Al-Hilal, including one worth €35 million per year, as he prioritized staying in Europe to compete in the UEFA Champions League. Turkish giants Galatasaray were among the clubs heavily linked, with reports suggesting Osimhen was open to a move to Istanbul to continue playing at the highest level.

Osimhen’s preference for European football has been a recurring theme throughout his career. Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record fee, the Nigerian international has established himself as a prolific goalscorer, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s 2022-23 Serie A title triumph. His combination of pace, physicality, and clinical finishing has made him a sought-after talent, and many expected him to join a Champions League contender rather than move to the Saudi Pro League.

Napoli’s Stance and Transfer Dynamics

Napoli’s handling of Osimhen’s future has been a focal point of discussion. The club’s insistence on receiving the full €75 million release clause has limited the pool of potential buyers, particularly in Europe, where financial constraints have made such a fee prohibitive for many clubs. Al-Hilal’s willingness to meet Napoli’s demands, coupled with their ability to offer an astronomical salary, has seemingly tipped the scales in their favor.

However, the situation remains fluid. Some sources suggest that Osimhen’s camp is still considering options in Europe, with Galatasaray emerging as a serious contender. The Turkish club’s participation in the Champions League could align with Osimhen’s ambitions, and their interest in a loan or permanent deal has been widely reported. Additionally, an unnamed Italian club is said to be monitoring the situation, adding further intrigue to the saga.

What’s Next for Osimhen?

If the move to Al-Hilal is finalized, Osimhen would join a growing list of high-profile players in the Saudi Pro League, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Al-Hilal, the reigning Saudi champions, have been aggressive in their recruitment, aiming to dominate both domestically and in the AFC Champions League. Osimhen’s arrival would bolster their attacking options and further elevate the league’s global profile.

For Napoli, losing Osimhen would be a significant blow, but the €70 million transfer fee would provide substantial funds to reinvest in the squad. The club has already been linked with potential replacements, including Romelu Lukaku, who has been tipped to return to Serie A.

A Career-Defining Decision

Osimhen’s potential move to Al-Hilal represents a crossroads in his career. At 26, he is in the prime of his footballing life, and a move to Saudi Arabia could offer financial security but potentially limit his exposure in Europe’s elite competitions. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether the allure of Champions League football or the promise of a new challenge in the Middle East ultimately wins out.

As of now, Sky Sports Italy’s report suggests that Osimhen is on the verge of joining Al-Hilal, but with conflicting narratives and the transfer window still open, nothing is certain until the deal is officially confirmed. One thing is clear: Victor Osimhen’s next move will be one of the defining stories of the 2025 transfer market.

Note: This article is based on the latest available reports as of June 7, 2025, and the situation may evolve with new developments.