Napoli Now Targeted As Saudi Club Launch Fresh New Big Money Bid
Late on Monday evening, it was being reported that Italian Serie A side Napoli were the latest to be targeted by Saudi Arabian riches, as it was claimed that Al Hilal had launched a £120.3 million offer for Victor Osimhen.
The 24 year old Nigerian international striker had a great season for Napoli in the 2022/23 campaign and more than helped play his part (26 goals) as they lifted the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years, but with contract talks stalled they gave him a valuation of £128.8 million if any transfer was to happen during this summers transfer window.
For fans who like a flutter, there will undoubtedly be a number of varying odds with offers such as the current SBK betting promo code available on this deal going through and making the player the latest big name to make the move to the Saudi Pro League. If he ultimately does complete the move, it will only intensify the betting odds on other players also following before the various European deadline days come to an end. Given Al Hilal’s intentions have been made clear, already attempting big money moves for Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, plenty will be looking into what their odds are doing on the markets.
Although Napoli have stated their valuation, their club president already admitted they would be open to offers ‘we could not refuse’, and Al Hilal’s may arguably come into that ballpark when you consider the contract situation.
Sky Italy had claimed that the talks have broken down following a meeting between the club and his agent, but the player is still under terms until the summer of 2025 – and that length could complicate things as Napoli have time to dig in – especially as it appears some discussions are still taking place.
Speaking last month, Aurelio De Laurentiis explained.
“We have a basic agreement on a two-year extension, but we are willing to consider an offer we could not refuse.”
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol believes that the bid will eventually be rejected as Napoli hold true to their original valuation, and if that does happen plenty in the wider world of football will be keeping a keen eye on whether or not the Saudi club come back with a slightly more tempting transfer offer – particularly as it is being claimed that they are willing to pay Osimhen a cool £1 million per week to seal the deal.
“I think the offer is going to be turned down because Napoli have always said they want at least €150m for Osimhen. He’s in talks with Napoli about extending his contract but Napoli have made it clear that, if someone makes an offer they cannot refuse, then they are willing to sell him. Al Hilal are offering Osimhen something like £1m per week in wages and that would be tax-free.”
He went on to add.
“Al Hilal are a gift to football transfer reporters because they’ve been making bids left, right and centre. They made bids for Lionel Messi. They made a world-record bid for Kylian Mbappe. We were told they made a bid for Harry Kane. They were making bids for Aleksandar Mitrovic. They’ve been very active. Some of their deals have worked out but they’ve missed out on a lot of players as well. If they want Osimhen they’re going to have to offer a little bit more.”
It has already been a strange summer with Saudi’s emergence in European markets, there may well be a few twists and turns left as well.
