By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is closing in on joining Saudi club Al-Hilal in a few days.
An agreement between Osimhen and Al-Hilal over personal terms is in place, with the striker set to be paid the equivalent of $35 million (£29m/$40m) as a base rate over the course of his contract, according to Skysports.
But, despite the breakthrough with the player, Al-Hilal are still behind in reaching an agreement with Napoli.
The Saudi giants’ best offer is €70m (£59m/$80m) and Napoli want €75m (£63m/$86m).
Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli soured last summer, although he still signed a new contract to 2026.
That deal is now about to enter its final year, which limits the fee the new Serie A champions can demand for the Nigerian striker, who scored 37 goals during a loan at Galatasaray this past season.
CR7 Fresh Decision
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he would not play in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday, dismissing rumours he was set to transfer to one of the participating clubs.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final against Spain in Munich, the Portugal captain said, “I will not be at the Club World Cup.”
Ronaldo came into the Nations League in Germany amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran’s contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June.
Ronaldo said he was not interested in making a short-term decision which would allow him to play in the competition.
