Victor Osimhen is at the centre of an intriguing transfer battle, with Saudi giants Al-Hilal ramping up their pursuit of the Nigerian forward by deploying new head coach Simone Inzaghi to make a direct appeal, Footynaija.com reports.
According to Il Mattino, via Napoli Calcio News, Inzaghi has personally contacted Osimhen in an effort to convince him to join the Saudi Pro League side this summer. The club has reportedly increased its contract offer to a staggering €40 million per year — a figure that would make Osimhen the highest-paid Nigerian footballer in history.
That record is currently held by Odion Ighalo, who earned €12.1 million annually during his spell with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua in 2019.
Al-Hilal are keen to capitalise on ongoing uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s future at Napoli. The Serie A club is said to be focused on signing Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez, a development that suggests Osimhen’s days in Naples could be numbered. Talks between Napoli and Galatasaray have also hit a snag, with both clubs reportedly apart in valuation.
While Al-Hilal would have no issues meeting Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, the striker, still on holiday in Nigeria, has yet to make a final decision on his next destination.
The 26-year-old’s next move will not only shape his career trajectory but could also redefine the financial ceiling for Nigerian footballers abroad.