Five potential options for Victor Osimhen after Saudi snub | OneFootball

Victor Osimhen has turned down a lucrative move to Al-Hilal with the Napoli forward’s future now wide open.

Osimhen has rejected the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Hilal looked to make a statement signing ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.

The finances on offer from Saudi Arabia saw European teams step back from the race, but could a move for the Nigerian now be revisited? We’ve looked at five potential destinations for the 26-year-old.

Five potential next club options for Victor Osimhen after Saudi snub

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain reached an agreement with Osimhen last summer but baulked at Napoli’s demands for his €100m release clause to be met. That clause has dropped to €75m (£63.1m) this summer, a fee that looks attainable for the European champions.

Luis Enrique’s side thrived without a recognised forward last season, with Ousmane Dembele reinvented in a central role. The Parisians remain interested in adding a traditional penalty-box player, however, and Osimhen is among the best on the market.

The Nigerian scored 37 goals in 41 games on loan at Galatasaray last season and has previous experience in Ligue 1 with Lille.

Chelsea

Chelsea are long-term admirers of Osimhen and made an attempt to sign the forward last summer.

A deal broke down over Osimhen’s wage demands, but could Chelsea return after securing Champions League qualification? The West Londoners are pursuing a deal for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, a profile outside the club’s recruitment focus but a player viewed as a market opportunity.

Osimhen may fit into the same category and has expressed his interest in playing in the Premier League previously. Despite the arrival of Liam Delap, Osimhen is an addition that could take Chelsea up a level.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray have not given up hope of signing Osimhen who has achieved hero status in Istanbul. The Turkish Süper Lig side opportunistically capitalised on Osimhen’s situation last summer to sign the striker on loan after the European transfer deadline.

It was arguably the most high-profile deal in the division’s history and Osimhen delivered on that billing. His 37 goals in all competitions set a new record for an overseas player, inspiring Galatasaray to a league and cup double.

The financial factors make a deal difficult, however, with the current Süper Lig transfer record just €19.5m.

Manchester United

Manchester United have started the summer in positive fashion after announcing a deal for Matheus Cunha. With the club also actively pursuing Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, goals are on the agenda for Ruben Amorim and his recruitment team.

The Red Devils are expected to sign a centre-forward to lead the line and expressed interest in Liam Delap before his move to Chelsea.

Osimhen has offered a guarantee of goals wherever he has played, while the Nigerian boasts the athletic profile Amorim is keen to add to his team this summer.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both reportedly attracting interest from Napoli, there is room for a deal to be done.

Juventus

Juventus are keen to bring in a marquee forward to kickstart a new era in Turin. The Bianconeri finished 12 points adrift of champions Napoli last season and were only the seventh-highest scorers in Serie A.

Dusan Vlahovic’s time in Turin looks likely to end this summer and Osimhen is seen as the perfect replacement. The issue, however, is Napoli’s reluctance to sell to a direct rival. Osimhen’s release clause is only valid to teams outside of Serie A.

Read – Five of the best Bryan Mbeumo alternatives for Premier League clubs

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