By Daniel Edu
Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal, made an ambitious bid of €130 million to acquire Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Italian Serie A champions, Napoli. However, Napoli swiftly rejected the offer, indicating their intention to keep the 24-year-old forward and value him at no less than €200 million.
Reports suggest that Al-Hilal, backed by the multi-billion-dollar royal wealth fund PIF, sought to convince Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to sell Osimhen to them after failing to secure the services of Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.
Osimhen’s outstanding performances played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumphant Scudetto-winning campaign last season. With 26 goals and five assists in 32 games, the Nigerian striker helped the Italian side secure the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades during the 2022-2023 season.
His exceptional form earned him the prestigious Golden Boot title and the best striker of the Season award, making him the first African player in Serie A history to achieve such an honor.
Despite Al-Hilal’s substantial offer, Napoli remains firm in their desire to retain Osimhen and is instead focusing on negotiating a new, long-term contract with him to secure his future at the club. Napoli values the player at over €200 million, reflecting his importance to the team and his potential in the transfer market.
The Saudi Pro League has witnessed a significant influx of European players this summer, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo making a move to Al Nassr in December 2022, which may have motivated other elite players to join the league as well.
