Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has once again found himself at a crossroads, as speculation surrounding his future continues to deepen after the forward rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international is no doubt one of Europe’s hottest strikers at the moment, having scored an astonishing 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray in the just-concluded 2024/2025 campaign. However, despite his outstanding displays last term, Osimhen appears to be struggling to secure a permanent move to his preferred destination.
Al Hilal had made Osimhen their top transfer target ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States of America. They offered a staggering annual wage package worth around €120m over three years and also reached a €75m deal agreement with Napoli.
French outlet Foot Mercato stated, “The offer was quite impressive but ultimately did not convince the player.” This would be the third time that Osimhen will be rejecting advances from the all-time Saudi champions, having first refused a move last year.
The former Lille and Wolfsburg frontman was in a similar situation last summer. After falling out with the hierarchy at parent club Napoli, incoming boss Antonio Conte sought to have the striker’s future resolved as it was clear the Nigerian would have little to nothing to contribute to the Italian tactician’s plans for the season. Interests from potential suitors like Premier League outfit Chelsea and French Ligue 1 side PSG amounted to nothing, no thanks to Osimhen’s wage demands and the Blues’ unwillingness to fork out the huge financial outlay for the Nigerian.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal first registered their intent on snapping up the forward, but Osimhen turned down the move in a bid to remain competitive in Europe. Whilst his future seemed bleak at the time, reigning Turkish top-flight champions Galatasaray stepped up and managed to iron out a loan deal which worked for all parties involved including Napoli and Osimhen. Having helped to deliver a league and cup double for Okan Buruk’s side, the lanky striker is expected to return to Naples and fashion out the best possible exit route ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign.
In deciding what would be the best possible option for Osimhen, the 41-capped Super Eagles hitman currently has four options on the table. He could decide to remain with reigning Serie A holders Napoli for next season but he would have little or nothing to contribute to Conte’s attacking set-up since the former Chelsea and Inter Milan gaffer already has the effective Romelu Lukaku upfront and displacing the big Belgian will not be easy. Also, the frosty nature of his relationship with the club’s hierarchy could leave him out in the cold, although he will surely take home his weekly wages without playing for the Neapolitans, which would ultimately hurt his market value.
One intriguing option that could be explored is that of fellow Italian side Juventus. The Old Lady have been rumoured to be interested in Osimhen, but currently face a difficult task in offloading Serbian international Dusan Vlahovic. Due to the Bianconeri’s financial situation, a direct transfer would prove impossible except they can offload some players to free up funds. According to football journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Osimhen is one of two priority targets for Juve, and if they can get Vlahovic off the books, then Osimhen could be the ready-made replacement for the two-time European champions. Furthermore, Nigerian media personality Onyebuchi Onokala, a close source to the player, confirmed that a top Italian club is “keen and ready to pay Victor what he wants in wages.”
Another option would be to remain in Turkey with Galatasaray. The Rams Park outfit are said to be putting up a significant transfer war chest to bring in the former Africa player of the year on a permanent deal, following a successful loan stint. Media outlet Foot Mercato further reported that the Turkish side had tabled a new salary proposal worth €26m per year, which underscores their desire to retain one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. Osimhen’s transfer will no doubt be both a club-record outlay and a Turkish record for the highest amount ever spent in purchasing a player. Staying in Turkey might be his best option if all other avenues fail to materialise.
Lastly, Osimhen might decide to explore the option of waiting to see what pans out during the remainder of the summer transfer window. It should be noted that the so-called “waiting game” played perfectly into the hands of Osimhen last year when it seemed unclear where he would be playing his football. Out of the blue came Galatasaray who did everything possible to bring the Nigerian over, even when no one thought that Turkey would be the last place for the former African Player of The Year to head to.
Should Osimhen wait to explore more options this summer, he could get lucky and secure the most promising move for his career, having previously stated his preference to play in the English Premier League.
