FIFA-licensed football agent, George Gardi, has dismissed as unfounded the swirling rumours linking Nigerian international striker, Victor Osimhen, with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal ahead of the summer transfer window.
Gardi, who was instrumental in securing Osimhen’s high-profile loan switch from Napoli to Turkish champions Galatasaray in January, clarified that there has been no engagement with any Saudi club and described the reports emanating from Turkey as completely fabricated.
Speaking with authority on the matter, the agent reaffirmed Osimhen’s commitment to seeing out the season with Galatasaray, insisting the 26-year-old forward has remained loyal to his promise despite receiving lucrative overtures from across Europe.
“These claims are completely baseless,” Gardi said. “Victor made me a promise when he signed for Galatasaray – that he would not sign with any other club before the season ends. And indeed, despite receiving very attractive offers, he has kept that promise. With a player of Victor’s calibre, the idea of ‘taking him somewhere’ doesn’t apply. The biggest clubs in the world want him; he doesn’t need anyone to carve out his path.”
Osimhen’s future continues to dominate European transfer headlines, particularly as his loan stint in Turkey winds down. The Nigerian striker has been in blistering form for Galatasaray, having scored 29 goals and provided six assists across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign. His performances have reignited interest from top clubs across the continent.
English Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United are reported to be at the front of the queue, with both sides desperate for a proven goal scorer ahead of next season. Arsenal, too, are reportedly keeping tabs on Osimhen’s situation as Mikel Arteta eyes reinforcement in the final third.
Italian powerhouse Juventus are also said to be monitoring developments closely, although Napoli are reportedly unwilling to strengthen a direct rival. Instead, the Serie A club would prefer to facilitate a move abroad and are reportedly prepared to lower their initial €75 million asking price to help ease a potential transfer to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray, who have benefited massively from Osimhen’s brilliance under manager Okan Buruk, are said to be keen on retaining the Nigerian beyond his current loan deal. However, convincing the player to commit long-term to the Turkish Super Lig might prove a daunting task given the calibre of clubs courting him.
For now, Gardi insists the striker’s focus remains squarely on finishing the season strong with Galatasaray and that no decisions will be made until the campaign concludes. Osimhen’s future, it seems, will be determined in the weeks following the season finale, but one thing is certain – it won’t involve a move to Saudi Arabia.
