Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal remain interested in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, but no formal offer has been submitted and the player has shown no indication that he wants to move to Saudi Arabia, Footy-Africa can report.
Following reports linking Osimhen with a possible move to Al Hilal, Footy-Africa contacted a source close to the player, who confirmed the Saudi club’s interest.
However, the source stressed that Al Hilal have not submitted a bid for the 27-year-old and there is currently no indication that Osimhen is considering a move to Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal are long-term admirers of the Nigerian international and have previously made serious attempts to sign him.
The Saudi giants offered Osimhen a lucrative contract on two separate occasions in the past, but the striker rejected both proposals and instead opted to sign a new contract with his former club Napoli.
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Al Hilal returned with another approach before Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell with the Turkish club.
The latest interest therefore represents Al Hilal’s third approach for Osimhen, although the situation remains at an early stage with no official bid submitted.
Galatasaray reluctant to sell
Galatasaray are also understood to have little intention of allowing Osimhen to leave as he’s considered as the most important player in the squad.
The Turkish champions paid Napoli €75m to sign the striker permanently around 16 months ago after his successful loan spell, and the club are not currently considering selling their star forward.
Osimhen has since played a major role in Galatasaray’s success, helping the club win two league titles and one domestic cup.
He also played an important part in Galatasaray’s European campaign last season, helping the club reach the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
With Galatasaray reluctant to sell, Al Hilal yet to submit an offer and Osimhen showing no desire to move to Saudi Arabia at this stage, a transfer remains far from certain.
The Nigerian’s future is nevertheless expected to remain a major talking point as the transfer window progresses, with Al Hilal continuing to monitor the situation closely.
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The former Lille forward has also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Atletico Madrid in the past.
