Al-Hilal’s €200 Million Bid for Osimhen

Al-Hilal is making a determined push to secure the signing of Victor Osimhen ahead of the conclusion of the current summer transfer window. The Saudi Arabian club has presented a substantial offer to the Nigerian striker, amounting to €200 million.

Recent reports from Transfer News Live have cited Calcio Napoli, stating that Al-Hilal’s latest proposal to Osimhen entails a five-season agreement, with the Super Eagles forward set to earn €40 million annually. However, previous information indicated that Italian outfit Napoli turned down a significant bid from Al-Hilal, aiming to entice Osimhen to join the Saudi Arabia Professional League for the upcoming season.

Sources in Europe reveal that Al-Hilal initially put forth a €140 million (equivalent to N118.9 billion) bid to Napoli in their pursuit of securing the services of the 24-year-old attacker. In July, the Saudi Arabian club, supported by the sovereign wealth fund PIF, was reported by respected outlets such as L’Equipe and Sky Sports to have made this extraordinary proposal. Al-Hilal, backed by the sovereign wealth fund PIF, is one of four Saudi clubs eager to bring Osimhen on board as an alternative to Paris Saint-Germain’s forward, Kylian Mbappe.

Despite Al-Hilal’s efforts, Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis, renowned for his tough negotiation tactics, has firmly stated that he has no intentions of parting with Osimhen this summer. Consequently, De Laurentiis and the club’s management have been in ongoing communication with the player’s agent, Roberto Calenda, as they seek to reach an agreement on a new contract.

The primary point of contention in these negotiations has centered around the release clause, indicating that an agreement between the two parties has yet to be reached.

Osimhen is currently engaged in discussions for a contract that would amount to €7 million per season, in addition to bonuses, with the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as his potential destination.

His remarkable performance of scoring 31 goals across all competitions last season played a pivotal role in Napoli securing their first Serie A title in 33 years. Of these goals, 26 were achieved in the league, establishing Osimhen as the first African player in the 147-year history of Serie A to clinch both the top-scorer title and the golden boot.

Valued at €120 million, he holds the position of the fourth most valuable player globally, trailing only Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. According to Transfermarkt, Osimhen shares this fourth-place valuation with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Real Madrid’s talent, Jude Bellingham.