Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have suffered a significant setback in their ambitious pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as both Napoli and the Nigerian striker have turned down their initial approach. Despite their financial muscle, the Middle Eastern club found that money alone wasn’t enough to secure one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Napoli Stand Firm on €75 Million Release Clause
Aссоrdіng to rероrtѕ from Sky Sport Itаlіа and trаnѕfеr expert Fаbrіzіо Romano, Al-Hіlаl tabled аn opening оffеr wоrth аrоund €65 mіllіоn plus аdd-оnѕ. However, thіѕ bid wаѕ swiftly rеjесtеd by Nароlі. The Italian club is holding firm on Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, demanding the full amount be paid upfront if any club wants to negotiate.
Romano emphasized Napoli’s position, stating, “The club has no intention of entertaining offers below the release clause. It’s in the contract, and they expect it to be honored.”
With Osimhen still central to Napoli’s tactical setup for the upcoming season, it’s clear the Serie A side is unwilling to let their star forward leave on the cheap — especially after his significant contributions in recent years.
Osimhen Not Impressed by Massive Salary Offer
Interestingly, it wasn’t just Napoli that rejected the proposal — Osimhen himself is also not sold on the idea of moving to the Saudi Pro League, at least not yet.
Al-Hilal reportedly offered a staggering €26 million annual salary, equivalent to approximately IDR 452 billion per year, but sources close to the player revealed that the offer still fell short of his expectations. Osimhen reportedly wants an “extraordinary package” if he is to leave European football during the prime of his career.
Even a personal phone call from Al-Hilal’s newly appointed head coach Simone Inzaghi wasn’t enough to convince Osimhen to consider the switch.
Other Offers Not Meeting the Mark
It’s not just Al-Hilal trying to lure Osimhen away. Turkish champions Galatasaray are said to have submitted a €65 million transfer fee proposal, along with a €15 million per year salary package. Yet, that offer is also unlikely to sway Napoli or meet Osimhen’s lofty standards.
Meanwhile, interest from Europe’s elite seems to be fading. Juventus have cooled their pursuit following the departure of sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, and Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are reportedly prioritizing other transfer targets.
Will Osimhen Stay at Napoli or Reconsider His Future?
With limited concrete options on the table and Napoli maintaining a hard stance, it’s increasingly likely that Victor Osimhen will remain at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium — at least for now. Unless Al-Hilal or another club returns with a significantly improved offer, both in terms of transfer fee and personal terms, a move looks improbable.
Still only 25 years old, Osimhen may prefer to wait until the next transfer window, keeping his focus on delivering for Napoli and continuing to play at the highest level in Europe.
For Al-Hilal, the failed bid raises questions about whether they will raise their offer or turn their attention to other targets. But one thing is certain: securing Victor Osimhen will require not just deep pockets, but also perfect timing, persuasion, and a premium proposal that matches his stature in world football.
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