By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Nigerian football star, Victor Osimhen is close to finalising a significant transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. The deal is reportedly valued at €80 million, with additional bonuses, and other incentives including a four-year contract offering the striker between €25-30 million per season net—equivalent to over ₦50 billion.
This move is part of a broader trend amongst Nigerian players, such as Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, and William Troost-Ekong, who have been joining the Saudi Pro League.
Sky Sport Italia revealed that Roberto Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, is already working on the final details of the contract. Osimhen, who was the top scorer in Serie A for the 2023/24 season with 26 goals—an unprecedented feat for an African player—has been on the transfer radar since July, having been frozen out of the Napoli squad by coach Antonio Conte.
While the Nigerian striker previously held talks with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he appears set to choose Al Ahli due to the more attractive financial package being dangled before him. Chelsea’s bid was significantly lower than Napoli’s and Osimhen’s demands. The proposed contract also includes a relatively low release clause, a key aspect of Osimhen’s negotiations.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen’s medical is already scheduled, and the transfer is expected to be finalised soon. Napoli will receive €80 million plus bonuses, which is significantly lower than the €130 million release clause in Osimhen’s current contract.
Osimhen’s move follows the trend of high-profile signings in the Saudi Pro League, which has drawn international superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo.
