Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen sparks Super Eagles star’s popularity surge in Saudi Arabia

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has surged in popularity within the Saudi Arabian football landscape, with rumours swirling around his potential transfer to Al-Hilal, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen’s prowess during the 2022/23 season, which saw him deliver pivotal goals that propelled Napoli to success, has inevitably garnered attention from some of Europe’s most affluent football clubs.

Despite fervent interest from these clubs, none were willing to meet Napoli’s hefty €200 million valuation for the Super Eagles striker.

Stepping into this scenario with a bold stance, Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have swiftly emerged as a contender in the race for Osimhen’s signature.

Al Hilal have reportedly offered €140 million for Osimhen, coupled with a contract that could elevate him to the position of the highest-earning African footballer in the world.

While the negotiations between Osimhen, Napoli, and Al-Hilal are far from a conclusive deal, the allure of Osimhen has undeniably captivated the hearts of Saudi Arabian football enthusiasts.

According to insights by Il Mattino as per Tutto Napoli, the moniker of the Nigerian forward has prominently risen to the summit of Saudi Arabia’s Google search trends.

A staggering number of queries, often tallying hundreds of thousands, have been directed by Saudi citizens toward finding information about the accomplished Italian championship top goalscorer.

The pinnacle of this trend’s intensity was observed in the recent timeframe spanning from the 4th to the 5th of August.

Saudi Arabians find themselves in a state of vigilance, attentively tracking Osimhen’s situation and eagerly awaiting any updates.

Amidst this escalating wave of attention, Osimhen’s future trajectory remains enveloped in uncertainty.

While club President Aurelio De Laurentiis wants Osimhen to stay at Napoli, a pact to renew the striker’s contract—set to expire in June 2025—has not yet been cemented.

Osimhen, 24, seems inclined towards extending his tenure in Naples, exhibiting a desire to contribute to Napoli’s pursuit of retaining the Scudetto title.