Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing a renewed approach to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with Kalidou Koulibaly’s presence at the Saudi Pro League club seen as a key factor in potentially sealing what could be a record-breaking transfer.
The Riyadh-based side, one of Saudi Arabia’s football powerhouses, is believed to be revisiting its interest in Osimhen after a failed attempt to secure his signature in 2023. At that time, Napoli, Osimhen’s parent club, rejected the Saudi offer despite significant financial incentives. However, circumstances may now be shifting in Al-Hilal’s favour.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has continued his prolific form, scoring 33 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions this season. His performance comes on the back of a historic campaign with Napoli in 2022–23, where his 26 goals fired the club to their first Serie A title in over three decades. The 25-year-old forward’s reputation as one of Europe’s elite goal scorers has made him a high-value target on the transfer market.
Al-Hilal are reportedly prepared to offer Osimhen an annual salary in the region of €30 million to €35 million—a figure that would place him among the highest-paid footballers globally. Yet beyond the financial incentive, the Saudi outfit are banking on the influence of a familiar face to tip the scales in their favour.
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Al-Hilal from Chelsea in 2023, is expected to play a critical role in the club’s renewed pursuit of Osimhen. The pair enjoyed a productive relationship at Napoli between 2020 and 2022, both on and off the pitch. That prior connection is seen as a potential catalyst for convincing Osimhen to make the move to Riyadh.
Koulibaly has quickly established himself as a leader within Al-Hilal’s dressing room, bringing with him not only Premier League and Serie A experience but also a reputation for professionalism and influence. According to sources cited by Corriere dello Sport, Koulibaly could act as an intermediary, helping the club to present a more appealing sporting project to Osimhen—one that includes reunification with a trusted former teammate.
While official negotiations have yet to be confirmed, the possibility of Osimhen joining Al-Hilal is being taken seriously in both Saudi and European football circles. The club’s renewed interest aligns with the broader ambition of Saudi Pro League teams to attract top-tier talent and elevate the league’s international stature.
If successful, the acquisition of Osimhen would represent a seismic move for Al-Hilal, further strengthening a squad already bolstered by marquee signings in recent transfer windows. It would also underscore the growing influence of Saudi clubs in the global football economy, particularly as they continue to lure elite players with lucrative offers and ambitious sporting projects.
The coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether Osimhen, one of Africa’s brightest footballing stars, will opt to reunite with Koulibaly in Riyadh or remain in European football’s top tiers.
Is Osimhen’s next destination set to be Saudi Arabia, or will European giants step in to change the narrative once again?
