Juventus have pulled out of the race to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after Napoli slapped a €100m price tag on the Nigeria international, with Saudi Pro League clubs now reigniting their interest in the forward.
The Italian giants, who have been tracking the 26-year-old for months, have reportedly pivoted away from the Napoli forward after baulking at the steep valuation, according to reports from Tuttosport.
Osimhen is currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray, where he has been in sensational form, finding the back of the net 21 times in just 25 league games while also registering four assists.
The development has given Premier League giants Manchester United a potential boost in their pursuit of the striker as new manager Ruben Amorim looks to solve his team’s goal-scoring woes.
The Red Devils have netted just 39 times in the Premier League this season, making them the fifth-worst attacking side in the division.
However, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have now emerged as serious contenders for Osimhen’s signature, with Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reporting that the club has already opened talks with the striker’s representatives.
The Saudi outfit boasts an impressive roster of stars including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo and Aleksandar Mitrovic, and appears determined to add the Nigerian to their ranks.
Osimhen initially rose to prominence during his time at French side Lille before making a big-money move to Naples in 2020. The Nigerian became a superstar in Italy but his relationship with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has deteriorated significantly, making a permanent departure this summer all but certain.
Chelsea were also credited with an interest in the Nigeria international, but the striker would likely want to avoid another scenario reminiscent of last season when his back was against the wall after failing to seal a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United are also said to be considering alternatives, including Ipswich Town’s 22-year-old forward Liam Delap, who could be available for around £30m following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
