It seemed very likely that Victor Osimhen would be playing for Al-Hilal from this summer and even complete the transfer in time to represent them at the FIFA Club World Cup, but according to multiple reports, the talks between the Saudi club and the Nigerian striker have fallen through.

Al-Hilal had even agreed to pay Napoli’s demand of €75million and offered very lucrative personal terms – believed to be around €30million per season – and Osimhen was leaning towards accepting, but then he changed his mind and rejected the offer, prompting Al-Hilal to withdraw their interest. They are now in haste to get another striker in time for the Club World Cup, while Osimhen’s future remains uncertain.

The 26-year-old spent 2024/25 on loan at Galatasaray, and the Turkish club are keen to keep him in Istanbul permanently. It remains to be seen if they manage to do what Al-Hilal could not – reach an agreement with both Napoli and Osimhen.

If Osimhen remains on Napoli’s books past this summer, he will have entered the final year of contract there.