Multiple Saudi Arabian Pro League powerhouses have intensified their pursuit of Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen, with at least two prominent clubs already engaging in preliminary talks with the player’s representatives ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Italian transfer specialist Nicolo Schira reports that the Saudi clubs have expressed readiness to activate the €75 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract with Napoli, signaling serious intent to bring the prolific forward to the Middle East.
Despite the substantial financial package likely to accompany any Saudi offer, the 26-year-old Osimhen has made his career aspirations clear, prioritizing a move to the English Premier League with Manchester United reportedly topping his list of preferred destinations.
The Super Eagles striker has also drawn significant interest from other Premier League heavyweights including Arsenal and Chelsea, while Italian giants Juventus previously attempted to secure his services for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
During earlier discussions with Juventus representatives, Osimhen acknowledged their interest but emphasized that his ultimate ambition remains competing in England’s top flight.
The sought-after forward is currently enjoying a spectacular season on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he has accumulated an impressive tally of 33 goal contributions—28 goals and five assists—across 32 appearances in all competitions.
Osimhen further cemented his status as one of Europe’s elite strikers on Wednesday when he netted twice against fierce Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Cup quarter-final, powering Galatasaray to a crucial 2-1 victory at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Following that match-winning performance, the Nigerian star reaffirmed his dedication to Galatasaray’s current campaign, stating via GalaSport: “I will make Galatasaray win the cup and get the fifth star. I have set my mind on it, and I can’t take it off.”
Our correspondent learned that Osimhen arrived in Nigeria on Friday aboard a private jet after receiving a four-day leave from Galatasaray following his heroics against Fenerbahçe. He is scheduled to return to Istanbul on Sunday to rejoin his teammates.
The striker’s loan move to Galatasaray materialized at the beginning of the season after a proposed transfer to Saudi Arabia collapsed and relations deteriorated with Napoli’s management. He also declined an offer from Chelsea due to disagreements over personal terms but has since flourished in Turkey, putting his previous challenges firmly behind him.
Industry insiders suggest the Saudi clubs’ aggressive pursuit of Osimhen represents part of the kingdom’s ongoing strategy to attract elite footballing talent to its rapidly developing league, with the Nigerian forward viewed as a potential marquee signing capable of elevating the competition’s global profile.
