Osimhen Arrives In Nigeria To Finalize Future Amid Strong Al-Hilal Interest

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has returned to his home country from Istanbul. He is getting ready to make a final decision about his future. The Galatasaray loan star is expected to announce his next move within the next 24 hours. Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia are making strong efforts to sign him.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Osimhen arrived in Nigeria after an impressive loan season at Galatasaray, the Turkish champions. The 26-year-old striker will soon inform interested clubs about his decision. Al-Hilal are leading the race to sign him. The Saudi club wants to finalize the deal quickly. Medical tests are already planned, and they aim to register him before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, starting on June 15.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Osimhen’s decision comes after a great season in Turkey. He scored 37 goals in 41 appearances for Galatasaray and helped them win the Turkish league title. Despite his success, it seems he will leave Napoli this summer. He reportedly is not part of Antonio Conte’s plans, and only one year is left on his contract. Al-Hilal have made significant progress in negotiations, with reports suggesting personal terms are agreed between the club and Osimhen.

His goalscoring performance has caught the attention of many top European clubs too. Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso reportedly admires Osimhen and sees him as key to his attacking plans. Liverpool have also intensified talks for the Nigerian, while Galatasaray hope to make his loan move permanent by triggering his release clause.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR OSIMHEN?

Osimhen has until tomorrow to decide his future. He was absent from Nigeria’s recent international fixtures, including yesterday’s friendly against Russia and the Unity Cup tournament in London. This allowed him to focus on resolving his club situation. If he chooses Al-Hilal, he might be unveiled before the FIFA Club World Cup starts next week, providing a big boost for the Saudi giants for the prestigious tournament.

Osimhen’s next move will interest not only the involved clubs but also Nigeria’s national team coach Eric Chelle. He referred to Osimhen as the “best striker in the world”. Whichever club signs him will acquire one of the top forwards globally, following a season in which he became one of three Nigerian players to win a league Golden Boot in European competitions.