Victor Osimhen has made his decision on a transfer from Napoli to Al-Hilal after receiving a mammoth offer from the Saudi Pro League side to join the team this summer
Victor Osimhen has turned down a monumental offer from Al-Hilal to leave Manchester United with a renewed opportunity to sign the striker. The Nigeria international had been on the verge of a move from Napoli but ultimately chose to reject a deal that would have seen him earn £25.3m-per-season.
Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer and has a €75m (£63.2m) release clause in his current contract, available for teams outside of Serie A. The forward could not find a permanent move last summer after a transfer to Chelsea collapsed and ultimately moved to Galatasaray on loan.
This month, Al-Hilal had agreed to pay the player’s release clause, having previously seen a bid turned down. The Saudi team were hoping to bring Osimhen into the club in time for the FIFA Club World Cup but have been told Osimhen wants to remain in Europe, per reports in Italy.
After proving to be a Napoli hero on the way to winning the title in 2023, there does not appear to be a way back under Antonio Conte who signed and placed his trust in Romelu Lukaku last summer. The team won Serie A without Osimhen’s help in 2024/25.
The striker nevertheless reminded everyone of his quality. Osimhen scored 26 goals in 30 appearances on his way to winning the Turkish Super Lig while on loan.
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The former Chelsea target was among those shortlisted by United as they look to replenish their forward line. Ruben Amorim’s side have already completed a deal for Matheus Cunha, but missed out on signing Liam Delap, who opted to move to Chelsea from Ipswich Town.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is currently top of the club’s agenda and won’t come cheaply. The Bees are said to want £60m in return for the Cameroon international’s services.
And that could leave United short of funds and in a position where they need to sell before buying if they are still interested in Osimhen. It has been suggested that Rasmus Hojlund or Alejandro Garnacho could be utilised as a makeweight in any deal.
Speaking on his future earlier this year, Osimhen was cautious over his plans. “A few months ago, nobody ever thought I would come to Galatasaray, despite how big of a club they are,” he said.
“I live for the moment. [As] for what’s going to happen in the summer, I don’t know.
“But I want everyone to understand something: I really love this club so much. I love the fans, I love everyone associated with this club, from the president down to the coaching staff.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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