Saudi’s Al Ahli drops interest in Osimhen

Saudi Arabia club, Al-Ahli, reportedly dropped interest in signing Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen on Friday evening, and in his place, picked England’s Ivan Toney to strengthen its attack.

According to reports gathered by SportsVillageSquare, the England international had already undergone medical examinations and exchanged of documents between the Saudi club and Brentford.

With Al-Ahli opting out of the deal to sign the Nigerian, the future of the Osimhen therefore remains uncertain as he has only Chelsea still interested in him before the close of the transfer market in the midnight of Friday.

Osimhen’s deals are complicated as he is on big contract at his current clubs and will want to keep his earnings at a similar level as Chelsea look to implement a wage structure.

As at Friday morning, there was also rival interest from Al Ahli in Osimhen for around £60million.

According to the BBC, Osimhen preferred to move to Stamford Bridge.

However, it was unclear on Friday afternoon whether Chelsea could sign Osimhen as the club boast a huge number of options in attack, including Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Joao Felix.

Chelsea agents were reported to have landed in Napoli for Osimhen in the earlier hours of Friday.

Napoli based publication, Tutto Napoli reported Friday afternoon the arrival of officials of Chelsea who are not yet giving up on the pursuit of the Nigerian.

“They have arrived in Naples to try to snatch the Nigerian striker from the Arab association, which in the meantime has taken precautions by having Ivan Toney undergo medical examinations.”

As at Friday afternoon, Al Ahli continues its plan to take only one between Osimhen and Toney.

The Saudi Pro League side was said to be waiting for Osimhen on Friday to agree to switch from Europe to Saudi Arabia after reaching an agreement with Serie A side, Napoli to sell him.

According to international football expert and journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Al Ahli have agreed a deal for between €75/80m .
“Napoli reach total agreement with Al Ahli for Victor Osimhen!.

“Club to club deal done for €75/80m total package, Al Ahli have already booked a medical.

“Four-year contract worth €25/30m per season net to Osimhen + RELEASE clause.

“Final green light up to Victor,’ Romano wrote on his X page Friday morning.

Romano also revealed that the Saudi Pro League side also included a release clause that will allow the Nigerian to return to Europe if and when he wishes .

“Al Ahli have included an affordable and easy release clause for Victor Osimhen as part of their proposal. It’s lower than reported €100m.