Victor Osimhen is eager to extend his stay at Galatasaray following an impressive loan spell, but the Turkish giants now face an uphill battle to retain the Nigerian forward amid strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
After a productive season on loan from Napoli, Osimhen has reportedly expressed his desire to continue in Istanbul, where he quickly became a fan favourite and a key figure in Galatasaray’s attacking line-up.
His performances have sparked optimism within the club that a permanent deal might be possible this summer.
However, Galatasaray’s hopes of securing Osimhen’s signature are being severely tested by renewed efforts from Al-Hilal, one of the Saudi Pro League’s most ambitious and financially potent clubs.
According to L’Équipe, the Riyadh-based outfit has reignited its interest in the Nigerian international, making him a priority target as they look to bolster their attacking options following their recent exit from the Club World Cup.
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Osimhen is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their forward line, and while they are also exploring a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic — who is reportedly not in the Italian club’s long-term plans — Osimhen remains very much on their radar.
Galatasaray, for their part, are well aware of the magnitude of the challenge. While the Turkish club can offer top-flight European football and a familiar environment for the 25-year-old, they may struggle to compete with the financial package Al-Hilal are capable of offering.
The Saudi club, who have already secured several high-profile signings in recent windows, continue to assert their presence in the global transfer market, targeting elite talent with lucrative offers.
Osimhen’s future now hinges on a delicate balance between personal preference and contractual negotiations. While the Nigerian striker has reportedly indicated his willingness to remain in Istanbul, Galatasaray must not only reach an agreement with Napoli for a permanent transfer but also fend off a bid from Al-Hilal that could prove financially irresistible.
Adding to the complexity, Al-Hilal are not limiting their search to Osimhen alone. They are reportedly also monitoring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, now with Al-Qadsiah, and Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who has been linked with Fenerbahçe. Still, Osimhen remains their primary target.
Galatasaray’s sporting project and the positive atmosphere surrounding Osimhen’s initial spell could yet work in their favour, but time is of the essence. Any delay in finalising negotiations with Napoli could allow Al-Hilal to swoop in with an offer capable of turning the player’s head.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Galatasaray’s bid to keep Osimhen is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched sagas in Turkish and Middle Eastern football.
With both clubs vying for his services, the next few weeks will be decisive in determining where one of Africa’s most sought-after strikers will play his football next season.
