Napoli and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have reached a total agreement for the transfer of Victor Osimhen. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal, which includes a €75/80 million total package, is now pending final approval from the Nigerian striker himself. As the transfer deadline looms, Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s 25-year-old Nigerian striker, has become one of the most talked-about names in football.
The prolific forward, who played a crucial role in Napoli’s 2022-23 Serie A title-winning campaign, is now at the center of a heated battle between European giants and Saudi Arabian clubs. Victor Osimhen is set to leave Napoli for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. The forward, who has been a hot topic in the transfer market, will reportedly earn a staggering $30 million per season over a four-year contract.
The Saudi Switch: A Done Deal?
Al-Ahli’s pursuit of Osimhen has intensified in recent days, and it appears they have now crossed a significant hurdle by agreeing on a deal with Napoli. Romano reports that Al-Ahli has already booked a medical for Osimhen and is prepared to offer him a lucrative four-year contract worth €25/30 million per season, along with a release clause.
This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing saga surrounding Osimhen’s future, with Chelsea’s hopes of signing the striker now all but extinguished. The Blues had been monitoring the situation closely, but the financial might of the Saudi club, coupled with the lucrative personal terms on offer, has seemingly tipped the scales in favor of a move to the Middle East.
European Clubs Left in the Lurch
James Horncastle, speaking on the Euro Leagues podcast, had earlier highlighted why European clubs were hesitant to meet Napoli’s high demands for Osimhen. “You get a €130m [£110m] buyout clause, which Napoli’s owner wants to get really close to, but he’s probably not worth half of that. That’s why he’s still where he is, and why clubs aren’t flocking to Naples at this time to try and convince him — it’s the Saudi clubs.”
Despite this, Napoli’s agreement with Al-Ahli for a lower fee indicates a willingness to negotiate, especially with the clock ticking down on the transfer window.
But there is still hope for Chelsea as Al-Ahli is seeking to sign only one player between Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney. “Chelsea are still working in the background for Victor Osimhen in case he doesn’t give final green light to Al Ahli,” Fabrizio Romano tweeted
Chelsea Fans React
Chelsea fans, who have been vocal about the club’s need for a top striker, are now left reflecting on what could have been. One fan, Dan, expressed his frustration, saying, “Haven’t we done enough? We spend another £200m and still we don’t have a striker…”
Others, like Richard, weighed in on the financial implications, noting, “Really, it’s all about the top striker, and Osimhen is the obvious choice, but only if his wages are sensible. Otherwise, I’d prefer the club to stop buying and allow the squad to get to know each other properly.”
The Final Decision: Osimhen’s Call
With the club-to-club agreement in place, the final decision now rests with Osimhen. If he gives the green light, this move will mark a significant moment in his career, as he transitions from European football to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League.
Osimhen’s potential departure could also have broader implications for Napoli, who would lose one of their key players just as the season is gaining momentum. On the other hand, a move to Saudi Arabia could set a new precedent for the league, attracting more top talent from Europe.
As the transfer window nears its close, all eyes are on Victor Osimhen. Will he choose the bright lights of Saudi Arabia, or will he stay in Europe to continue his rise? The football world waits with bated breath.
