Osimhen and Vini Jr threaten to escalate Saudi Pro League civil war

Robin Bairner

Updated: 26 Aug 2024 15:41 BST
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Saudi Pro League, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Victor Osimhen looks unlikely to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, yet the Nigeria international finds himself unwittingly in the midst of a storm that threatens to shake the growing league.

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The start of the transfer window has been slow from Saudi clubs, with the expected string of major signings this summer simply not having arrived. With the window around a month later than in Europe’s major leagues, don’t discount big-money moves, even if it appears that Osimhen will not be one of those.

Roberto Calenda, the Napoli striker’s agent, claims that Osimhen still has much more to achieve in Europe before taking the decision to move to the Middle East, where the promise of untold riches will no doubt see many heads turned in the not-too-distant future.

But while the riches of the Saudi Pro League are a source of controversy in Europe, they are also causing frustration within the division.

Monopoly of the 'untouchable five'

Al Shabab head coach Vitor Pereira has complained of a two-tier league, in which those five clubs to be lavishly funded by the Public Investment Company – Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Itthad – enjoy riches that are simply not comparable to their rivals.

These four clubs are joined by Al-Ettifaq in forming an ‘untouchable five’ who are set to monopolise trophies between them. Four of the five most expensive Saudi Pro League signings ever, after all, saw players sign for Al-Hilal, including Neymar’s blockbuster €90 million switch from PSG last summer.

© IMAGO - Neymar is the Saudi Pro League's most expensive ever signing

When there have been bids for top European players this summer, these have inevitably arrived from these teams. Osimhen and Joao Cancelo, for example, are both linked with Al-Hilal.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, has refused to close the door on the possibility of a move to the Middle East, with ESPN reporting that his representatives are not going to open contract talks with the Bernabeu side.

The Saudis, it is reported, are willing to offer the Brazil international €350m a year - an offer that would make him the highest-paid sportsman on the planet.

This financial domination of the league by a clique of clubs is a situation that frustrates Pereira.

“I came to Al-Shabab and returned to Saudi Arabia with the idea and the hope of seeing a competitive and strong league in which all teams have the opportunity to compete in every match,” he said after a 1-0 loss to Al-Ettifaq.

“The reality is that most teams, except the strong ones, do not have the possibility to compete. I looked at the substitutes’ bench and there were only three players. There were five boys who were 19 years old who are not ready to compete. Unfortunately, that is the reality. I am very disappointed because I work hard and dedicate a lot. I came to contribute, to bring quality and to compete, but this way it is impossible.”

The accusations that were once targeted at the Saudi Pro League from outside are now visible from within and a deal for a major star like Osimhen or Vini Jr would only see this friction grow.