June 15, (THEWILL) – Victor Osimhen has once again declined a major offer from Al Hilal, reinforcing his intention to remain within Europe’s top leagues. Reports indicate that Al Hilal had agreed a €75 million transfer fee with Napoli and tabled a fifth offer to Osimhen, including a net wage approaching €30–35 million per season, equivalent to roughly £650,000 per week. Despite the financial incentive, Osimhen rejected the deal, signalling a clear preference to pursue his career in Europe rather than accept a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Osimhen’s outstanding performance during his loan spell at Galatasaray in the 2024/2025 season strengthens his appeal. He recorded 37 goals in 41 appearances and was the Super Lig’s top scorer with 26 domestic goals, while adding a total of 33 in all competitions. Turkish media emphasise how his figures shattered existing records, breaking the league’s foreignplayer singleseason mark. He also contributed decisively to Galatasaray’s Turkish Cup and league triumphs.
Actively pursuing Osimhen, the Saudi Pro League club confirmed that travel and a medical had been scheduled in Saudi Arabia. All of these were put in place before Osimhen pulled out, despite Napoli’s acceptance of Al Hilal’s fee. The club revealed that the clubtoclub deal was complete, but the player opted against going. This demonstrates that his decision was based on personal career objectives, rather than external obstacles or emotional reactions.
In Europe, interest from teams, such as Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid and even Liverpool has risen. United have been linked as contingency for their primary target Viktor Gyökeres. Nevertheless, their ability to finalise a transfer may be hampered by Osimhen’s wage demands and Napoli’s high valuation. Chelsea and PSG are monitoring his situation as well. PSG reportedly hold the financial capacity to meet both his wages and a release clause set at approximately £63 million (€75 million). The capability of the French and European champions to absorb both transfer fee and salary demands could put them ahead of other European suitors.
Reports vary over Napoli’s stated transfer clause. Some outlets repeat the €75 million figure that Al Hilal matched, others report a much larger clause of €130 million, introduced as part of a contract renewal last August. The latter figure aligns with an official extension that tied Osimhen to Napoli until 2026 under a €130 million release clause. The confusion over the contract’s specifics complicates exit negotiations.
Despite his stellar goalscoring form, European interest has remained restrained. This appears partly due to Napoli’s refusal to accept anything under the full clause and Osimhen’s salary expectations. Chelsea reportedly abandoned an attempt last summer when they could not satisfy Napoli’s price tag. PSG and United are aware of the obstacles: Napoli’s firm stand and Osimhen’s ambition for UEFA Champions League competition are both significant factors.
Al Hilal’s intentions were clear. The club had been preparing for the Club World Cup, with Simone Inzaghi as coach leading their recruitment drive. With Osimhen’s rejection, they have shifted interest to other strikers such as Darwin Núñez and Richarlison. They are now faced with a striker vacancy to fill before the competition begins.
Osimhen’s rejection marks at least the third refusal of Saudi offers, with reports dating back a year. The forward previously rebuffed salaries equivalent to €30–45 million per year before rejecting the most recent €120 million over three years package. Galatasaray remain keen to sign him permanently and have reportedly offered around €26 million net per season. They are in a good position after his exceptional season, but whether they can match Napoli’s valuation remains unclear. They may need to negotiate for additional funds or include incentives linked to performance and European competition qualification.
Osimhen’s decision turns attention back to Europe. PSG appear willing to fulfil all terms, though their summer tactics remain cautious. Man Utd might pursue him, but they face internal budget constraints. Chelsea and Real Madrid remain possible but have yet to progress from speculation. Napoli within this context maintain control. The player must weigh salary, sporting opportunity and the chance to play in the UCL.
His loan to Galatasaray has ended, and Napoli insist he will return for preseason if a deal remains unresolved. Napoli themselves spoke of a strained relationship, yet have not actively blocked his departure previously, suggesting openness to an acceptable offer. Osimhen owes another season under contract and will push for a move before preseason begins.
Contractually, he is tied until 2026, so Napoli are in no rush to sell. The club may seek to preserve their investment by holding firm on valuation. For Osimhen, though, another season in the UCL or elsewhere, will define his longterm legacy. If he remains at Napoli, both parties will need to recalibrate.
In years past, Osimhen has emphasised his drive for highlevel competition and has shown patience in negotiations. Remaining in Europe and challenging for top trophies appears central to his ambitions. The move to Saudi would have granted greater financial reward but limited sporting visibility. Although he seeks a fresh chapter, any outcome hinges upon how clubs and the player align on fee and wages. Europe’s elite must now decide whether they are prepared to meet Napoli’s valuation and Osimhen’s expectations.
During this summer window, his career direction will shape not just his own standing, but also ripple through the market for top strikers. Napoli may reinvest the fee into defensive or midfield reinforcements. Galatasaray could complete a transfer that cements their domestic dominance and holds promise in Europe. And Saudi clubs, shut out for now, will refocus.
While the transfer season continues, one certainty stands out: Osimhen is charting his own path. He declined vast wealth in the Middle East to remain in Europe and is likely to select a destination offering both sport and prestige. The question now is who will rise to the challenge of meeting his demands, and when that will finally happen.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
