By Charles Pemu 
Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal are refusing to back down in their determined bid to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite the Napoli forward rejecting a staggering €30 million-per-season salary package. The club, based in Riyadh, remains the only side to have met the financial terms of Osimhen’s release clause, yet the 25-year-old continues to resist a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli includes a €130 million release clause, which is reportedly discounted to €75 million for foreign clubs. This makes the striker more accessible to international suitors while effectively ruling out Serie A rivals like Juventus from triggering the clause directly.
Despite Osimhen’s firm stance against leaving European football for Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal have not abandoned their pursuit. According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the club plans to revisit its proposal now that the FIFA Club World Cup registration window has closed, giving them more flexibility and time to persuade the player.
Sources close to the striker confirm that Osimhen remains focused on competing at the highest levels of European football. He is particularly interested in clubs that participate regularly in the UEFA Champions League, a factor that has continued to guide his transfer considerations. While Premier League sides including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all expressed interest, they are now reportedly weighing alternative options due to concerns over Napoli’s steep valuation and Osimhen’s recent injury history.
With the summer transfer window heating up, the saga surrounding Osimhen’s future remains one of the most closely watched in European football. Whether Al-Hilal’s persistence will eventually sway the Nigerian forward, or if he secures a move to a Champions League club, remains to be seen. For now, Osimhen appears set on continuing his career in Europe, even as jaw-dropping offers from elsewhere continue to arrive.