Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen has rejected a move to Saudi Arabian Professional League club Al-Hilal, despite the club agreeing to a €75 million transfer fee with Serie A champions Napoli.
According to reports, the Saudi club had offered the 27-year-old striker a lucrative contract worth €40 million per season, but Osimhen has formally declined the proposal.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating: "BREAKING: Victor Osimhen has turned down Al-Hilal. Travel and medical were scheduled to complete the deal in time for the Club World Cup. And a €75m package in place with Napoli. However, Osimhen has formally rejected Hilal's offer."
The Saudi club had reportedly gone as far as scheduling travel arrangements and medical examinations to finalize the transfer ahead of the Club World Cup, but those plans have now been halted following Osimhen's decision.
This development comes amid speculation about Osimhen's future, with the striker previously expressing confidence that top European clubs could match his salary demands. In a recent statement, the Nigerian forward had suggested that leading clubs in Europe's top five leagues could afford to pay him competitive wages.
Osimhen's decision to reject the Saudi offer may indicate his preference to continue his career in Europe's elite competitions rather than moving to the Saudi Pro League, despite the substantial financial package on offer.
The striker remains one of the most sought-after forwards in world football following his impressive performances for Napoli in recent seasons.
In other news, President Bola Tinubu is set to host NPFL champions Remo Stars at a special reception recognizing their achievement in Nigerian domestic football.
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