Victor Osimhen has arrived back in Nigeria from Istanbul, with a crucial decision pending on whether he will join Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal or remain with Turkish champions Galatasaray. The Nigerian striker’s future is expected to be resolved imminently, just in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
According to noted football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen landed in Nigeria on Saturday and is set to inform interested clubs of his final decision soon. Romano added that Al Hilal has already scheduled medical tests for the striker, aiming to finalize the deal and include him in their squad for the Club World Cup. However, the Saudi club is still awaiting Osimhen’s confirmation by the next day.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray has intensified efforts to secure Osimhen’s signature after the striker reportedly declined the initial overtures from Al Hilal. The Turkish side is keen to retain the prolific forward who scored 37 goals during his loan spell with them last season.
The transfer saga has sparked a heated debate among football fans, particularly in Nigeria, about Osimhen’s standing compared to other top talents like Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Both players, former Napoli teammates, have moved on to new clubs—Osimhen at Galatasaray and Kvaratskhelia at Paris Saint-Germain—yet continue to impress at the highest levels in Europe.
Fans and pundits are divided on who is superior. Popular entertainer Mr Jollof praised Kvaratskhelia’s creativity and vision, while Osimhen’s close friend Vincent Otse highlighted the Nigerian’s consistent goal-scoring prowess. Football analyst Monday Izegagbe noted that both were instrumental in Napoli’s 2022–2023 Serie A title, with Osimhen helping Galatasaray win the Turkish league and cup this season, and Kvaratskhelia leading PSG to a treble including the Champions League.
The debate underscores the different roles the two play: Osimhen as a natural finisher and Kvaratskhelia as a creative playmaker. Fans like Mr Azuka Izu argue that judging the better player depends on their overall contribution to team success, emphasizing that both are extraordinary talents in their own right.
As negotiations continue, Al Hilal has reportedly increased their offer to €70 million, still short of Napoli’s €75 million asking price. Osimhen’s contract with Napoli runs until 2026 but is entering its final year, which may limit the transfer fee Napoli can command. The Saudi club aims to complete the transfer before the Club World Cup deadline on June 10.
