Victor Osimhen Reportedly Chooses Saudi Pro League Over Chelsea, Signs €80 Million Deal with Al Ahli

Victor Osimhen, the highly rated Nigerian striker, has reportedly opted to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli on a four-year contract, despite earlier reports linking him with a move to Chelsea, according to PUNCH Online.

The transfer, expected to be worth around €80 million, marks a significant turn in Osimhen’s career and highlights the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League.

Osimhen had reportedly agreed to a lucrative €350,000-per-week contract with Chelsea, which would have brought him closer to his dream of playing in the Premier League. However, the latest developments suggest that Osimhen is prioritising the opportunities and financial incentives offered by the Saudi Pro League.

The striker enjoyed a stellar spell at Napoli, where he established himself as one of Serie A’s top forwards. His performances in the 2022-2023 season were crucial to Napoli’s title challenge, as he finished as the club’s leading scorer and garnered attention from top European clubs.

Victor Osimhen’s reported move to Al Ahli continues the trend of high-profile footballers joining the Saudi Pro League, drawn by substantial contracts and the league’s burgeoning reputation. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes significant investments in sports to elevate the country’s global presence.

While some critics may see Victor Osimhen’s decision as choosing financial rewards over sporting ambition, given that European football remains the ultimate goal for many players, the move also presents new challenges. As a key figure at Al Ahli, Osimhen will have the opportunity to develop his leadership qualities and play a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and continental pursuits.

Arbiterz could not independently confirm this report. Efforts to get a reaction from Al Ahli were unsuccessful as messages sent by our correspondent to Al Ahli had yet to be replied to as of the time of filing this report.

Also, a check on Al Ahli’s website and social handles revealed that the news had yet to be published officially by the Saudi Arabia club. Major sports platforms have also not broken the news, which suggests that it might still be a speculation.

 

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