Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal have revived their pursuit of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, with the 27-year-old emerging as their primary target to replace Karim Benzema, who is reportedly closing in on an exit from the club. According to reports from Turkey via Forza Cimbom, Al Hilal have already had a €130 million bid rejected by Galatasaray, yet they remain determined to secure a deal before the summer transfer window closes.
Al Hilal's Renewed Pursuit
Al Hilal's interest in Osimhen is not new. The Saudi giants made multiple approaches for the Nigerian captain in previous windows, including a substantial offer last summer that the striker turned down before completing a permanent transfer to Galatasaray. Now, with Benzema's anticipated departure leaving a significant gap in their attack, Al Hilal have accelerated their efforts to bring Osimhen to the Saudi Pro League.
Another forward the Saudi club had considered, Darwin Nunez, is reportedly closing in on a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, which would leave Osimhen as the most viable option for Al Hilal's attacking ambitions. The Nigerian has done little to dampen that interest, having scored 61 goals in 75 appearances for Galatasaray since his permanent move, as per Transfermarkt, establishing himself as one of Europe's most productive strikers.
Osimhen's Form and Galatasaray's Stance
Osimhen carried his impressive form into the new campaign by netting twice in Galatasaray's opening 2026/27 league fixture against Corum to earn his side a point. Galatasaray have made their position clear: they want to keep their star striker. Osimhen himself has spoken openly about his desire to stay at the Turkish club and continue competing for honours.
The combination of a settled player and a determined club would ordinarily be enough to end most transfer sagas. However, the scale of Al Hilal's financial muscle could prove difficult to resist. The Saudi club are believed to have both the funds to meet Galatasaray's asking price and the ability to offer Osimhen a salary that matches his market value.
Interest from European Clubs
Complicating matters further is the queue of European clubs also monitoring the former Napoli striker. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal have all been linked with a move, and the Gunners are reported to have recently reopened concrete talks over a potential transfer. According to a related report from Legit.ng, Galatasaray firmly rejected a €130 million verbal offer from Al-Hilal, and despite intense interest from several top European clubs, the Turkish champions remain determined to hold onto their star striker as the new season approaches.
