The footballing world is closely watching as Nigerian international Victor Osimhen inches toward a high-profile switch to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, even as fans of Turkish champions Galatasaray mount an emotionally charged global campaign to convince the prolific striker to stay put in Istanbul. Despite the outpouring of affection from Galatasaray supporters, including a striking plea broadcast on New York City’s iconic Times Square, the 26-year-old appears to be leaning towards the Saudi Pro League.
According to reports from Sky Sports, Osimhen is in the final stages of negotiating a lucrative three-year deal with Al-Hilal, worth nearly £15 million per season. Sources close to the matter confirm that the player has already given verbal assurance to Al-Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel, indicating his strong interest in making the move to Riyadh. The contract, which would also include performance-based bonuses, is believed to be worth up to €17.5 million annually.
This development has sparked a flurry of fan-driven campaigns from Turkey. Galatasaray fans, deeply attached to the Nigerian forward after his remarkable performances in the Turkish Süper Lig, have taken to social media and the streets to urge him to remain with the club. Osimhen has delivered 25 goals and five assists in just 29 league appearances, quickly becoming a cult hero in Istanbul.
In one of the most eye-catching displays of fan loyalty in recent memory, a digital billboard in Times Square lit up with the message “Stay With Us,” launched under the trending hashtag #staywithus. The initiative was organized by Galatasaray supporters determined to show their appreciation for Osimhen’s impact both on and off the pitch. The fans are also planning a stunning drone tribute involving 5,000 coordinated drones forming the striker’s image above the Ali Sami Yen Rams Park during their upcoming fixture against Başakşehir.
Despite the heartfelt gestures, it seems Osimhen is preparing to embrace a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. While the striker and Al-Hilal appear to be in agreement on personal terms, the deal is currently stalled pending final approval from the Saudi Ministry of Sports. The ministry’s financial oversight committee must sign off on the release of government-backed funds that would enable the Riyadh-based club to meet Napoli’s financial demands and conclude the transfer officially.
Renowned Swiss journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that the final obstacle remains the Ministry’s confirmation of financial viability. Until the required funding is authorised, Al-Hilal is unable to proceed with formal talks with Napoli, Osimhen’s parent club, over a transfer fee. However, optimism remains high within the Saudi camp that the necessary approvals will be granted shortly, paving the way for what could be one of the most high-profile signings in the history of the Saudi Pro League.
If the move materialises, Osimhen would join a growing list of elite players lured to the Middle East by the league’s financial muscle and ambition. For now, Galatasaray fans continue their tireless efforts to retain their talisman, but all signs suggest the Nigerian goal machine may soon be trading the red and yellow of Istanbul for the royal blue of Riyadh.
