Osimhen ignores Mikel Obi’s advice, starts transfer talks with club he was warned not to join
Victor Osimhen appears to be heading toward a transfer move that could redefine his football career, and not everyone is pleased. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker has reportedly started negotiations with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, ignoring the advice of former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi, who publicly urged him to remain in Europe.
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According to the Metro, Mikel Obi had recently suggested that Osimhen should aim for a move to elite clubs like Arsenal, Juventus, or Paris Saint-Germain, emphasising that the 26-year-old still has much to offer at the highest level of European football.
John Obi Mikel gives up on Victor Osimhen joining Chelsea:
“I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe. It would be a shame to see him go there. So maybe Arsenal, United, Juventus and PSG too [are his options]. Let’s see what… pic.twitter.com/AyB2nbkDZs
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) June 4, 2025
“I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe,” Mikel said during a podcast appearance.
“It would be a shame to see him go there.”
Osimhen eyes new chapter after Galatasaray
Osimhen is set to return to Napoli following an exceptional loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances, per Transfermarkt.
Despite his goal-scoring exploits, the Super Eagles striker is not in new Napoli boss Antonio Conte’s plans for the coming season.
Their strained relationship, which began last summer’s transfer drama, has made a permanent departure from the new Serie A champions almost inevitable.
🚨 Al-Hilal are offering a €30m-a-year contract to Victor Osimhen. 🇸🇦
(Source: @talkSPORT) pic.twitter.com/1SygqSYFLP
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2025
While Galatasaray are keen to retain the striker in Istanbul, Al Hilal have stepped up their pursuit.
Backed by a hefty war chest and with new manager Simone Inzaghi reportedly giving the go-ahead, the Saudi giants are determined to land the Nigerian forward.
Al Hilal ready to activate €75m release clause
According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen remains a top target for Al Hilal.
On Wednesday, Fabrizio confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that talks are ongoing and progressing steadily.
The club is reportedly prepared to meet Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, putting them in pole position ahead of European rivals.
🚨🇸🇦 Victor Osimhen remains high on Al Hilal list as new striker with talks ongoing to bring in the Nigerian forward.
€75m release clause available, Al Hilal are working on player side for a target now also approved by Simone Inzaghi. pic.twitter.com/xj8ZNFwVB3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
Despite rumoured interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and PSG, none of the European suitors have made an official offer at this time.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal continue their aggressive push, hoping to lure the Super Eagles star with a lucrative deal and the promise of becoming one of the faces of Saudi football.
If completed, the move will not only be one of the biggest African transfers of the summer but also a bold statement of intent from Saudi clubs determined to attract world-class players, even if it means going against the wishes of football legends like Mikel Obi.
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