Napoli has reportedly agreed to a £67.3 million (€80 million) offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli for the transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to SkySports. If the deal goes through, Osimhen is expected to earn a staggering £646,000 per week after tax, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. The proposed contract would see Osimhen earn approximately £33.6 million (€40 million) per season over a four-year period.
SkySports also reported that Osimhen is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for medical tests on Friday, signaling a possible conclusion to the transfer saga. However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that while Napoli has accepted the offer from Al Ahli, Osimhen has yet to make a final decision on the move.
Romano added that the 25-year-old striker is still in discussions with Chelsea FC, another club that has shown strong interest in signing him. Chelsea, who have been linked with Osimhen since the transfer window opened, had proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy. The negotiations, however, have hit a roadblock over wage disagreements, as Osimhen’s initial salary demands do not align with Chelsea’s new wage structure.
Osimhen’s future at Napoli has been in doubt for several months following a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s leadership. This tension culminated in the striker submitting a formal transfer request. Despite his uncertain status at Napoli, Osimhen remains a sought-after talent, with Chelsea eyeing him as a key target to bolster their attack.
Adding to the complexity, Napoli’s new manager, Antonio Conte, has made it clear that Osimhen does not fit into his tactical plans for the upcoming season. Conte, who recently took over the reins at Napoli, has already moved to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, further signaling that Osimhen’s days at the Italian club may be numbered.
As the transfer window deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Osimhen’s next move, which could either see him become one of the marquee signings in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing football project or secure a switch to the English Premier League with Chelsea.