Saudi govt to fund Osimhen’s move to Al Hilal

The Saudi Arabian government is set to provide the necessary funds for Al-Hilal to complete the signing of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in a deal worth up to €50m, with the player in advanced talks over a permanent move from Napoli.

Sky Sports Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri reports that Osimhen is in direct negotiations with Al-Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel, with personal terms close to being agreed on a contract that would see the 26-year-old earn an annual salary of up to €17.5m, including bonuses.

However, the completion of the transfer hinges on approval from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, with the so-called ‘financial viability’ committee yet to give the green light to release the necessary government funds required to finalise the transaction.

“While personal terms are close to being reached between Osimhen and Fahad bin Nafel, Al Hilal cannot yet validate this transfer. Indeed, the Saudi club is waiting to receive the total amount expected from the Saudi government in order to finalise the transaction, and thus contact Napoli to conclude the agreement between the clubs,” Tavolieri reports.

“The so-called ‘financial viability’ committee within the Ministry of Sports has not yet given the green light to release the necessary funds. Without this, it will be impossible to finalise the transfer.

Despite the bureaucratic hurdle, all parties involved remain confident that the move will be completed, with Osimhen having personally expressed his desire to join the Saudi Pro League champions to bin Nafel.

Should the transfer materialise, the Nigerian striker is expected to sign a three-season contract.

The development represents a dramatic shift in Osimhen’s summer transfer saga, with the former Lille striker having been linked with a string of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Juventus before his wage demands proved prohibitive for European suitors.

Osimhen’s move towards Saudi Arabia comes after growing frustration with Manchester United’s lack of concrete interest in securing his services. According to Foot Mercato, the Nigerian forward opened discussions with Al-Hilal following what sources describe as an underwhelming pursuit from the Premier League side.

Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli until 2026, with the Italian club holding an option to extend until 2027 if no suitable offer materialises this summer. However, with the striker’s determination to secure a permanent move and Al-Hilal’s financial muscle, supported by government backing, a resolution appears increasingly likely.