Victor Osimhen is at a pivotal point in his career – the choice before him is clear: stay where he’s worshipped or move where the money flows.
At 26, the Nigerian striker has climbed football’s highest rungs. From humble beginnings in Lagos to stints at VfL Wolfsburg, Charleroi, and Lille, Osimhen made his name at Napoli.
His 70 million euro ($80 million) move to the Italian club in 2020 raised eyebrows, but he silenced doubters with a league-best 26 goals during Napoli’s 202-23 Serie A title run – their first in over three decades.
That triumph, however, was followed by friction.
Contract negotiations soured, and with relations strained, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan in the summer of 2024. Few expected what followed.
The Lion of Istanbul
Osimhen didn’t just adapt to Türkiye – he thrived. In 41 matches across all competitions, he scored 37 goals and supplied eight assists.
Galatasaray swept the domestic double, claiming the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup.
Osimhen’s impact was seismic – his physicality, finishing, and work rate made him indispensable.
Fans dubbed him “The Lion of Istanbul,” a title earned with every goal and every roar of the crowd.
Determined to keep their star, Galatasaray have reportedly offered him a deal worth over 20 million euros per year, including bonuses – a figure unmatched by any European rival.
The proposal underscores Galatasaray’s ambition to build a squad that competes beyond Türkiye’s borders, with Osimhen as the centerpiece.
Al Hilal’s top-dollar pull
Galatasaray, though, are not alone.
Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Hilal have entered the race with a financial offer that could reset the market.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen is Al Hilal’s top target for the 2025 summer window.
The club is ready to activate his 75 million euro release clause, and reportedly willing to offer a salary exceeding 30 million per year.
Backed by immense resources and led by Simone Inzaghi – the former Inter Milan coach who won Serie A in 2020-21 – Al Hilal are pushing to reshape global football by bringing in marquee names.
Their pursuit of Osimhen aligns with the Saudi Pro League’s strategy of luring elite talent, following high-profile moves for Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema.
Inzaghi’s presence is no coincidence. He sees Osimhen not just as a striker, but as the engine of a new project.
Glory or gold?
Osimhen’s next step isn’t just about football – it’s about legacy.
Staying at Galatasaray means European football, Champions League nights, and adoration from one of the world’s most passionate fan bases.
It offers a chance to build a legacy as a leader of a continental contender.
Al Hilal, on the other hand, offer unmatched financial security, a tax-free lifestyle, and the opportunity to become the face of a rapidly rising league.
The money is transformative. The stage is global. The decision, however, is deeply personal.
Napoli, for now, hold the key.
With Osimhen under contract until 2026, the Italian side retains leverage, but the release clause gives both clubs a direct path to his signature.
Content Source: www.dailysabah.com