Al-Hilal Make Massive ₦85 Billion -a-Year Offer to Victor Osimhen, Aiming to Set New African Salary Record

 

Saudi Arabian football giants Al-Hilal have once again stunned the global transfer market by submitting an extraordinary contract offer to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. According to Goal, the club has proposed a deal worth a jaw-dropping ₦85 billion per year—excluding bonuses—to lure the Napoli hitman to the Middle East. If accepted, this would make Osimhen the highest-paid African footballer of all time.

Al-Hilal had previously approached the 26-year-old with an offer of ₦51 billion per year after activating his €75 million (approximately ₦127 billion) release clause. Despite the enormous figures, Osimhen declined the initial bid, signaling a preference to remain in European football—for now.

The Saudi Pro League side has not backed down. On the contrary, they’ve doubled down on their pursuit with a revised offer that eclipses all previous attempts. At current exchange rates, their latest proposal translates to roughly ₦7.08 billion per month, or over ₦1.77 billion per week—excluding performance-based bonuses.

This proposed deal would see Osimhen surpass Riyad Mahrez as the highest-earning African player. Mahrez, who currently plies his trade with Al-Ahli, is reported to earn more than ₦926 million weekly after his transfer from Manchester City. At 34, Mahrez is enjoying the financial peak of his career in Saudi Arabia, while Osimhen, at just 26, is still considered to be entering his prime.

Football’s financial landscape has been steadily shifting in recent years, and Saudi Arabia’s aggressive recruitment strategy is leading that change. With superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema already on board, the league has demonstrated that it is not only willing but fully capable of competing with Europe’s top-flight institutions in attracting elite talent.

Al-Hilal previously attempted to close the Osimhen deal before the FIFA Club World Cup but were unsuccessful. Timing issues and the striker's reluctance to leave Serie A mid-season were key factors in the delay. However, insiders close to the negotiations confirm that the Saudi side has not given up. Their leadership remains highly motivated and is reportedly ready to do “whatever it takes” to make Osimhen their marquee signing.

Osimhen's rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Since joining Napoli, he has become one of the most feared strikers in Europe, guiding the Italian side to their first Serie A title in 33 years. His physical prowess, sharp instincts, and consistency in front of goal have earned him global recognition and made him a transfer target for several major clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and Manchester United.

While Al-Hilal's offer is unmatched financially, there remains uncertainty over whether Osimhen will choose wealth over competition. The UEFA Champions League still carries unmatched prestige in world football, and many players in their prime are reluctant to leave that behind, even for astronomical sums.

Napoli’s position is also a factor in the equation. Should Osimhen opt to accept the Saudi offer, the Italian club would be forced into a summer rebuild. The potential ₦127 billion release clause would provide substantial resources, but replacing a striker of Osimhen’s caliber would be a monumental task.

The tug-of-war for Osimhen’s signature highlights a broader trend: the global power shift in football economics. No longer is elite European competition the only benchmark of success. With the ability to offer near-unthinkable wages, Saudi clubs are forcing players—and fans—to rethink traditional footballing career paths.

All eyes now turn to Osimhen. Will the Nigerian sensation write his name in the financial history books by accepting the ₦85 billion annual deal? Or will his ambition for European glory keep him in the heart of Italian football a little longer? Whatever his decision, it will mark a significant moment not only for his career but also for African football’s place in the evolving world of global sports.