In a stunning twist in this summer’s transfer saga, Victor Osimhen has agreed to join Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, marking a pivotal change in his career following a dramatic fallout with Napoli. This decision comes after a high-profile move to Chelsea collapsed on deadline day, leaving the Nigerian striker’s future in flux.
The Breakdown and Aftermath
Earlier this week, it seemed almost certain that Osimhen would be on his way to Stamford Bridge to join Chelsea. This would have been a marquee move, two seasons after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30 years. However, as the Premier League transfer window closed, the deal fell through, leading to a complete breakdown in Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli.
Just 24 hours after the failed transfer, Napoli’s manager Antonio Conte excluded Osimhen from the squad for their Serie A match against Parma, signalling deep fractures between the player and the club. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the relationship between Osimhen and Napoli had become “completely broken.”
The Move to Al Ahli
With the Premier League window shut, Osimhen quickly agreed to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The deal is reportedly worth up to €80 million, and the striker is set to earn an astonishing €25-30 million per year in net wages. His contract also includes an ‘affordable and easy’ release clause under €100 million, offering Osimhen significant flexibility for his future.
Victor Osimhen: A Journey to Stardom
Victor Osimhen’s rise to prominence is a story of perseverance and talent. Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen faced numerous challenges on his path to becoming one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. His journey began in earnest at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, leading Nigeria to victory. This performance caught the attention of European scouts, and soon after, Osimhen made his move to Europe.
Early Career: Wolfsburg and Charleroi
Osimhen’s first European adventure was with Bundesliga club Wolfsburg, but his time in Germany was marred by injuries and limited opportunities. Determined to prove himself, he moved to Belgian club Charleroi on loan during the 2018-2019 season. It was here that Osimhen began to showcase his true potential, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. His performances earned him a permanent move to Charleroi, and soon after, he was on the radar of bigger European clubs.
Breakthrough at Lille
In the summer of 2019, Osimhen signed with French Ligue 1 side Lille for a reported €12 million. His impact was immediate and profound—he scored 18 goals in 38 appearances during his first season, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in European football. His pace, strength, and lethal finishing made him a nightmare for defenders and a key asset for Lille.
Record-Breaking Move to Napoli
Osimhen’s performances at Lille did not go unnoticed, and in 2020, Napoli broke their transfer record to bring him to Serie A for a fee of around €70 million. Despite initial challenges, including adapting to a new league and dealing with injuries, Osimhen quickly became a fan favourite. His relentless work ethic and knack for scoring crucial goals made him a cornerstone of Napoli’s attack. In the 2021-2022 season, Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli’s historic Serie A triumph, their first Scudetto in over 30 years.
Implications for Napoli
Osimhen’s departure to Al Ahli leaves a significant void in Napoli’s squad. His goals and presence on the field were instrumental in their success, and finding a replacement of his calibre will be a daunting task for the club. With the transfer window closing, Napoli must act quickly if they hope to maintain their competitiveness in both Serie A and European competitions.
A New Chapter for Osimhen
For Osimhen, the move to Al Ahli represents a fresh start after a tumultuous period with Napoli. The Saudi Pro League, which has been rapidly attracting top talent, will provide Osimhen with a new stage to continue his career. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he adapts to this new environment and whether he can maintain his upward trajectory.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen’s agreement to join Al Ahli marks one of the most significant transfers of the summer. After a dramatic breakdown with Napoli and a failed move to Chelsea, the Nigerian striker is set to embark on a new journey in Saudi Arabia. This move not only reshapes Napoli’s immediate future but also adds to the growing allure of the Saudi Pro League as a destination for top footballing talent.
As we follow this developing story, it will be fascinating to see how Osimhen’s career unfolds in this new chapter. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other major moves in the ever-evolving world of football!