Osimhen Declines €30 Million Annual Salary from Saudi’s Al Ahli

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has once again rejected a lucrative offer, this time turning down Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli despite being offered a staggering salary of €30 million per year. The Saudi giants proposed an €80 million transfer fee to Napoli, but Osimhen opted to stay with Galatasaray, where he is currently on loan.

Al Ahli’s pursuit of the Nigerian forward began last year, but negotiations with Napoli failed to materialize. Even with an improved offer this January, Osimhen remained committed to his European ambitions. He expressed his desire to help Galatasaray win the UEFA Europa League and secure a third consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.

Osimhen’s decision follows another notable rejection—he previously declined a move to Manchester United during the January transfer window.

Editorial

Victor Osimhen’s decision to reject Al Ahli’s €30 million per year offer sends a strong message about his ambitions and priorities. In a football world increasingly swayed by financial incentives, Osimhen’s commitment to achieving success at the highest level is a refreshing statement of purpose.

We view his decision as a testament to the evolving mindset of African players, who are no longer solely seeking financial gain but are striving to make their mark in competitive environments. With Galatasaray competing in the UEFA Europa League, Osimhen is focused on building his legacy by winning major trophies, rather than taking the lucrative but less competitive route that a move to Saudi Arabia could have offered.

This move could also have significant implications for Nigerian football. As one of the country’s leading exports, Osimhen sets an example for emerging talents, showing them that pursuing sporting greatness can often outweigh immediate financial benefits. His commitment to European football will likely contribute to his development, making him an even more valuable asset to the Super Eagles.

However, this rejection doesn’t rule out future moves to financially powerful leagues. As Osimhen progresses and achieves success, he may one day consider a lucrative move—but on his own terms. For now, his focus on helping Galatasaray and possibly earning a transfer to one of Europe’s elite clubs reflects a well-calculated career trajectory.

Osimhen’s refusal to succumb to short-term financial temptations reinforces the idea that the best players are those who balance ambition with strategy. His career decisions continue to inspire a generation of footballers, both in Nigeria and beyond.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Osimhen was the top scorer in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring 10 goals and helping Nigeria clinch the title.
2. Al Ahli is one of the Saudi Pro League’s most decorated clubs, but they have struggled to attract top-tier European players despite hefty financial offers.
3. Osimhen’s breakout European season came at Lille in 2019-20, where he scored 18 goals, attracting interest from Napoli.
4. In 2022, Osimhen became the most expensive African player when Napoli signed him for a fee that could rise to €81 million with bonuses.
5. Galatasaray is one of the most successful Turkish clubs in history, having won the Turkish Super Lig 23 times and the UEFA Cup now Europa League in 2000.