Oluwatosin Enesi
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has once again turned down a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, leaving questions around his next destination as the 2025/2026 season approaches.
The 26-year-old striker just wrapped up an exceptional season on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, netting 37 goals in 41 matches and helping the club secure a league and cup double. Despite his standout performances, a permanent transfer remains uncertain.
Saudi champions Al Hilal were the latest to court Osimhen, offering a massive €120 million wage package over three years and agreeing a €75 million transfer deal with Napoli. But the Nigerian striker declined the offer—his third rejection of the Saudi side—reportedly unconvinced by the project.
Osimhen’s situation remains complicated. After falling out with Napoli’s management last summer, new manager Antonio Conte appears to have no plans for the striker, with Romelu Lukaku set to lead the line. A return to Naples would likely see Osimhen sidelined, hurting his form and market value.
Several options are reportedly on the table:
Juventus: The Italian giants are keen but need to offload Dusan Vlahovic to afford Osimhen. Reports suggest he is one of Juve’s top transfer targets, and wages are unlikely to be a stumbling block.
Galatasaray: The Turkish champions are eager to keep Osimhen permanently and have reportedly offered him a new deal worth €26 million per year—potentially the most expensive transfer in Turkish football history.
Wait-and-see: Osimhen could choose to bide his time, as he did last summer. That gamble paid off when Galatasaray swooped in unexpectedly. A similar late move could come from a top European side, especially from the Premier League, which remains his stated dream destination.
While his immediate future is up in the air, one thing is clear: Osimhen is prioritising career longevity and competitiveness over financial windfalls. As the summer transfer window heats up, his next move will be one of the most closely watched in world football.
Our Reporter
