Transfer News: The Victor Osimhen Saga Drags On as He Rejects a Move to Saudi Arabia

The 25-year-old striker has rejected a move to Al Ahli, even after the Saudi Arabian club agreed a fee worth 65-million euros with Napoli.

The Victor Osimhen transfer saga has been a headline story all summer, and with just a week left in the transfer window, it seems we're heading toward a dramatic finale. Osimhen has solidified his reputation as one of Europe's elite strikers, having topped the Serie A scoring charts in the 2022/23 season with 26 goals. Although his form dipped last season, injuries played a significant role. Even then, Osimhen managed to net 15 goals in just 25 Serie A appearances. However, the Nigerian striker made his intentions to leave Napoli very clear after the 2023/24 season. 

The Naples-based club has already lined up Romelu Lukaku as Osimhen’s replacement, agreeing to a deal worth around €30 million, plus potential add-ons totaling up to €15 million. This move strongly suggests that Osimhen's time in Naples is coming to an end, though he has yet to secure a new club. So, what’s holding up the transfer? Reports suggest that Osimhen’s lofty wage demands and insistence on a release clause have been major stumbling blocks. These were the same issues that led to the collapse of his potential move to Al Ahli. 

Moreover, Osimhen is in the prime of his career and is determined not to spend these crucial years in Saudi Arabia. His focus remains firmly on playing in Europe, a sentiment his agent recently confirmed in an interview. Osimhen’s agent Calenda said, “Victor still has so much to do IN EUROPE. Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction. He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club's decisions. Victor was elected African footballer of the year, 8th at the Ballon d'Or. There is need for respect and balance”. 

So, with a move to Saudi Arabia now off, which teams are the frontrunners for Victor Osimhen’s signature? Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain are the two obvious candidates. Following an injury to Goncalo Ramos and the departure of Kylian Mbappe, PSG need a striker. However, despite PSG’s immense financial might, Chelsea are in the driver’s seat for Osimhen’s signature. Chelsea could potentially use Napoli’s interest in Romelu Lukaku as leverage to negotiate a cut-price deal for Osimhen. Adding to Chelsea’s advantage is the fact that Osimhen has been a lifelong Chelsea fan, which would make him especially eager to join the Blues. The only hurdle is his high wage demands, but given his childhood connection to Chelsea, the club may have an edge in negotiations. The clock is ticking for all parties involved in this transfer saga, with just five days left till the transfer deadline. 

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