Former Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has said he would love to see Victor Osimhen play for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal at some point in his career, amid reports the forward could leave Galatasaray this summer, SportPremi reports.
Osimhen, 27, joined the Turkish champions on an initial loan deal in 2024 and after an impressive debut campaign where he led the team to a domestic double, he completed a €75 million permanent move last summer.
Al Hilal also offered to meet Napoli’s valuation back last summer and were prepared to offer the Nigerian forward a mouthwatering contract.
However, a deal could not materialize due to Osimhen’s preference to remain playing in Europe.
The Saudi Pro League club could be back in for the Super Eagles star at the end of the season, with reports emerging that he could leave Galatasaray.
Spanish giants Barcelona and European champions Paris Saint-Germain have both been monitoring the situation in Turkey, but none would be able to match Al Hilal’s proposed salary offer.
For now, Osimhen remains in Turkey and his priority is helping Galatasaray successfully defend their league and cup double crown, with fierce competition from rivals Fenerbahce.
Ighalo weighs in on Osimhen’s future
Ighalo, who also enjoyed a successful time at Al Hilal during his playing career, winning the league title and the King Cup, has expressed desire for Osimhen to also follow in his footsteps and play for the Saudi giants.
“Well, these are not mistakes, because as players we have to make our own decisions”, Ighalo stated.
“For me, I wished he had gone to Al-Hilal, but Galatasaray is a big club, the biggest in Turkey, and they participate in the Champions League and perform well. And most importantly, he is performing well there with Galatasaray.
For me, and out of love for Al-Hilal as it is one of the teams I played for in Saudi Arabia, I wished that Osimhen would join them. Perhaps not now, but after the end of his experience with Galatasaray, he can still move to Al-Hilal later”, the former Manchester United forward concluded.
Osimhen will hope to return to the scoresheet when Galatasaray face Konyaspor in the Turkish league on Saturday.
