Former Nigeria international player Ighalo Urges Osimhen to ‘Secure the Bag’ in Saudi Before Returning to Europe

 

Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has again called on Victor Osimhen to accept a move to the Saudi Pro League. In a podcast appearance with Teddy A, Ighalo said Osimhen should spend two years in Saudi Arabia, make as much money as possible, and then return to Europe.

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He pointed out that Osimhen, who has already achieved significant success in Europe, could use the Saudi move as a smart financial step without damaging his football career.

Osimhen, 26, is currently one of Africa’s top footballers. He was Serie A top scorer with Napoli when they won the Italian league after 33 years and repeated the feat in Turkey with Galatasaray last season. He also won the African Footballer of the Year award.

Despite his young age, Ighalo said the striker should not fear a short Saudi stint. “He has done it in Italy and Turkey. He should take the Saudi offer, secure his future, and come back to Europe stronger,” Ighalo said.

Ighalo, who played for Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabia, has spent four years in the Middle East and knows the league well. He said fans may criticize the move, but Osimhen’s legacy and career won’t be hurt by a well-timed financial decision.

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This is not the first time Ighalo has made the suggestion, but with another Saudi offer reportedly on the table, he has repeated the advice more firmly.

While discussions about a Saudi move continue, Victor Osimhen appears close to a permanent return to Turkish club Galatasaray. He spent last season on loan at the Istanbul giants, where he flourished and finished as top scorer, helping them win the league.

Despite turning down an offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal last summer and again this transfer window, Osimhen has remained open to leaving Napoli. He is pushing to rejoin Galatasaray permanently after his €75 million release clause expired.

Both Napoli and Galatasaray are still working out the details. Napoli reportedly want €50 million paid upfront, with the remaining €25 million to be settled by 2026. Galatasaray has now provided a letter of credit from a bank, giving Napoli confidence that they will receive the full €75 million payment.

According to Football Italia, negotiations are progressing well, and a deal is now in sight. Napoli may accept a slightly reduced initial fee as long as they get full payment within one year.

Talks between the clubs resumed this week, and although an agreement is near, some bureaucratic processes may cause a short delay. Osimhen, who wants to leave Napoli for good this summer, is hopeful that the final agreement will be reached soon.

Last season, a potential transfer collapsed on deadline day, forcing the Nigerian striker to accept a loan move instead. Now, both clubs seem determined to make the switch permanent.

Osimhen’s future appears tied to Europe for now, despite Saudi interest. Whether he takes Ighalo’s advice later remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on completing the deal with Galatasaray.

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