Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has made a significant move in his career by agreeing to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli from Napoli for a substantial fee of £67.3 million (€80 million).
This transfer marks a pivotal moment for the 25-year-old striker, who has been one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
He has, thus, toppled the likes of Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez who earn a slightly above £500,000 per week.
Osimhen is expected to undergo a medical examination on Friday, which will finalize his transfer to Al Ahli.
This move aligns with Napoli’s intentions, as the Italian club had preferred that he join a team outside of Europe.
The transfer is particularly timely, as the Saudi Pro League transfer window closes on Monday, making this one of the last high-profile deals before the deadline.
Financially, the deal is incredibly lucrative for Osimhen, as he is set to earn an astounding £33.6 million (€40 million) per season, which translates to a weekly wage of £646,154—completely tax-free.
This salary package is among the highest in world football, reflecting the financial power of the Saudi Pro League as it continues to attract top talent from around the globe.
The contract also includes a release clause, giving Osimhen the flexibility to move in the future under certain conditions.
This development is a significant blow to Chelsea, who had been closely monitoring Osimhen throughout the summer with hopes of bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
The London club had been working on a deal that would have seen the Nigerian striker join on loan with an obligation to buy, but those plans have now been thwarted by Al Ahli’s successful bid.
Before agreeing to the move to Saudi Arabia, there was a strong indication that Osimhen might remain in Europe.
His agent, Roberto Calenda, had previously stated that Osimhen “still has so much to do in Europe,” which had given Chelsea hope that a deal could be struck.
However, the allure of the financial package offered by Al Ahli, combined with Napoli’s preference, ultimately swayed Osimhen’s decision.
As a result of missing out on Osimhen, Chelsea will now have to shift their focus elsewhere.
On Deadline Day, the club is expected to explore alternative options, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney emerging as a potential target.
This last-minute change of plans highlights the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, where deals can pivot in unexpected directions.
Meanwhile, Napoli has already moved quickly to secure a replacement for Osimhen. The club announced the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on Thursday, ensuring they remain competitive in Serie A despite the departure of their star striker.
This swift action underscores Napoli’s determination to maintain their position at the top of Italian football while also navigating the complexities of the transfer market.
Osimhen’s journey from Napoli to Al Ahli is not just a transfer; it represents a broader shift in the football landscape, where the Saudi Pro League is increasingly becoming a destination for top-tier talent.
The move also highlights the ever-changing dynamics between European clubs and the emerging football markets in the Middle East.
