Victor Osimhen rejects Chelsea and 'agrees' Saudi Pro League transfer

Suraj Radia

29 Aug 2024 20:30 BST
3 min read

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

Victor Osimhen looks set to reject Chelsea, with reports from Saudi Arabia claiming that a deal has been reached for Al-Ahli to sign the Napoli striker.

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Chelsea had been engaged in talks with Napoli this week over a loan for Osimhen with an obligation to buy, however the Nigerian’s wages have so far proven to a stumbling block.

Napoli had been more accommodating towards Osimhen’s departure after securing his replacement in Romelu Lukaku, who joined this week from Chelsea for €30 million.

Lukaku’s arrival convinced Napoli to lower their demands for Osimhen, which prompted Chelsea to make their offer, however Al-Ahli also have a bid of €65m on the table.

Osimhen was thought to be unconvinced by a transfer to the Pro League but a four-year deal worth €160m is said to have been agreed by Al-Ahli, according to reputable Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

ETV Range

€53.3M - €88.9M

The report claims that the two parties will sign the contract ‘within hours’, although European sources have yet to confirm whether a deal has officially been struck.

© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen looks set to move to Saudi Arabia.

Chelsea likely to move for Toney after Osimhen blow

Chelsea are still hoping to sign a striker before the transfer deadline on Friday and Enzo Maresca’s side may switch their focus to Ivan Toney should Osimhen end up moving to Al-Ahli.

Brentford are desperate to cash in on Toney, with his contract expiring next summer and the England star having no desire to renew, and Thomas Frank confirmed the 29-year-old would not play in the club’s next game due to the situation.

Teams from Saudi Arabia are also said to be interested in Toney but Chelsea would be the striker’s ideal choice and a reasonable fee could be negotiated on deadline day.

Current ETV

Ivan Toney

F (C)

Brentford

Ivan Toney

F (C)

Brentford

ETV Range

€11.1M - €18.5M

A deal for Toney would be significantly cheaper for Chelsea, having seen Osimhen reportedly demand wages in excess of €300,000 per week.

Some reports have also claimed that Osimhen’s contract at Al-Ahli could contain a release clause allowing him to leave for below €40m after two seasons, which may prove to be the deciding factor for the 25-year-old.