Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly chosen Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli over Chelsea and other European suitors, sources close to the negotiations revealed Friday.
Al Ahli has agreed to a €80 million ($85 million) fee with Napoli for the 25-year-old forward, marking one of the most significant transfers in Saudi Pro League history.
Osimhen’s decision comes after intense speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea, who had been long-term admirers of the prolific striker. The Premier League club was reportedly prepared to bring in Osimhen on loan with an obligation to buy, but Al Ahli’s lucrative offer appears to have swayed the player’s decision.
The Saudi club has offered Osimhen a four-year contract worth approximately €40 million ($42.4 million) per season after taxes, equating to €769,000 ($815,000) weekly. This eye-watering salary package significantly outstrips what Chelsea or other European clubs could offer under their wage structures.
Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, seem prepared for Osimhen’s departure, having recently acquired Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea. The Italian club’s willingness to sell to Al Ahli suggests they view the Saudi offer as the most attractive option.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, had previously stated that the player “still has so much to do in Europe,” but the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League appears to have altered this stance.
The move represents a significant coup for Al Ahli and the Saudi Pro League, which has been aggressively recruiting high-profile players from European leagues. Osimhen’s transfer, if completed, would further cement the league’s growing status in world football.
Chelsea, meanwhile, may need to pivot to other targets as they seek to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window closes. The London club has been linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and other strikers but may now need to reassess their options in light of Osimhen’s impending move to Al Ahli.
The transfer is expected to be finalized before the Saudi Pro League’s transfer deadline on Monday, pending a medical examination and final contract details.
