Chelsea and Manchester United are expected to miss out on the signing of Victor Osimhen after the striker reportedly reached an agreement with Al-Hilal, according to reports from Saudi Arabia.
After failing to join Chelsea during last summer’s transfer window, Osimhen eventually moved on loan to Galatasaray from Napoli and enjoyed a successful season in Turkey. The Nigerian international scored 36 goals in 40 appearances, helping Galatasaray win both the league and cup in Turkey.
John Obi Mikel, who attempted to facilitate Osimhen’s move to Chelsea last year, had insisted that the striker was still interested in a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the summer transfer window. “For me, it will be very sad if we don’t get a player who supported the club as a kid and wants to play for us, wants to play for this football club,” the former Chelsea midfielder said last month.
However, Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh has reported that Osimhen has now reached a three-year agreement with Al-Hilal.
The report states that the Saudi Pro League club wants Osimhen to be part of their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins next month, and they are prepared to pay his €75 million (£62.9m) release clause to Napoli. Last year, Osimhen reportedly rejected a move to rival Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, who subsequently signed Ivan Toney from Brentford for £40m.
Al-Hilal has been confirmed to finish second in the Saudi Pro League this season and will face Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Pachuca in Group H of the Club World Cup.
The Saudi club has also held talks regarding the signing of Bruno Fernandes and has offered the Manchester United captain a three-year deal worth £700,000 per week and up to £65m per season, combining signing fees and bonuses.
Al-Hilal is seeking a response from Fernandes by the end of this month as they also aim to secure his signature before the start of their Club World Cup campaign, which kicks off against Real Madrid on June 18.