Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker, has rejected a €70m move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, according to his agent Roberto Calenda, who believes the Napoli star still has unfinished business in European football as reported by NewsNow.
Amid intense transfer rumors surrounding Osimhen, who has attracted interest from top clubs in Europe and the Middle East, he has chosen to overlook offers from multiple Saudi Pro League clubs in favor of continuing his career in Europe, particularly the English Premier League.
Italy’s transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 25-year-old and his agent declined the Saudi offer due to salary and release clause concerns.
Although Osimhen has been training separately from the Napoli squad, a potential move before the transfer window closes is still a possibility.
Osimhen’s agent, Calenda, reaffirmed his client’s decision, emphasizing that Osimhen has no intention of leaving Europe at this point.
Calenda pointed out Osimhen’s achievements, stating that he still has a lot to accomplish in European football and deserves respect and recognition for his accomplishments.
Despite being a key player in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph two seasons ago, Osimhen’s situation at the club has become complicated, with manager Antonio Conte sidelining him in recent matches amid ongoing transfer discussions.
With a contract running until June 2026 that includes a €130m release clause, negotiations with European clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been challenging due to Napoli’s reluctance to lower their asking price.
While Al-Ahli showed interest in Osimhen and Napoli seemed open to a €65m deal, convincing the player to join posed a significant challenge for the Saudi club.
Osimhen insisted on having a release clause in any new contract to secure a potential return to Europe for Champions League football in the future.
Despite Chelsea’s interest in the Nigerian striker, their hesitation to meet Napoli’s valuation and Osimhen’s high wage demands have stalled progress.
Paris Saint-Germain, seeking a top striker after Gonçalo Ramos’s injury, had a preliminary agreement with Osimhen but has not taken concrete steps since then.
Osimhen remains focused on his European aspirations, believing that his prime years are ahead of him and determined to make a significant impact in the continent.