The ongoing ‘wheeling and dealing’ to price Victor Osimhen away from Napoli has assumed an interesting dimension following reports that the Nigeria international has rejected an opening €26m (about N46 billion) per season salary being tabled by Saudi Pro League side, Al-Hilal.
Multiple outlets in Italy have confirmed Al-Hilal’ s approach for the Super Eagles forward but Football Italia has claimed that while Osimhen has turned down the Saudi’s ‘opening proposal’ of €26m, Napoli have equally turned down the opening Al-Hilal offer for the 26-year-old striker demanding the full payment of the €75m (about N134 Billion) release clause.
Football Italia had already confirmed that Al-Hilal were making a strong bid to sign Osimhen , including a phone call from new coach Simone Inzaghi who joined the Saudi train from Inter Milan.
The opening proposal (to Napoli) for Osimhen was believed to worth €65m plus bonuses, but Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano and others are all adamant Napoli rejected it outright.
The €26m per season salary, plus bonuses, is considered insufficient for him to join the Saudi Pro League.
Those in the know claimed that for Osimhen to leave Galatasaray and European football, he wants it to be for an eye-watering sum of money.
“Juventus have practically given up on Osimhen following the departure of director Cristiano Giuntoli, while Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all looking towards other targets first,” noted Football Italia’s Susy Campanale, adding: “Meanwhile, Sky Sports Deutschland claim that Galatasaray have made an offer to make the Osimhen loan move a permanent one but is worth €15m per season wages, plus a transfer fee of €65m, but again those are likely to be rejected by both parties.”
This week, erstwhile Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, had counselled Osimhen to accept a big money move to the Saudi Pro League in order to preserve his burgeoning football career in Europe, adding the striker who helped Galatasaray (on loan) to a unique double in the just concluded season with an impressive 37 goals in all competitions, must apply some restraints and wisdom to make a wise decision amid tempting offers.
“Victor should stay in Europe in order to progress positively still, and not to run to Saudi Arabia,” the vastly experienced former Bundesliga defender told NationSport. “Going to Saudi Arabia should be towards the end of his career and not now.”
He added: “Of course, this is a personal decision for Victor and I know Victor is very clever (to take the right decision).”
“But Victor will do what he wants. We have to wish him the best.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
