Victor Osimhen Chooses Saudi Arabia Over Chelsea Amidst Heated Transfer Debate and Public Disputes
Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, has sparked significant debate among fans and friends regarding his future. Despite interest from Chelsea, the Napoli striker has chosen to sign a four-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. The move is reported to be worth £67.3 million (€80 million) plus add-ons, with Napoli set to benefit financially.
Victor Osimhen initially declined a €70 million offer from Al-Ahli, with his agent, Roberto Calenda, stating that the Napoli star still aims to achieve more in European football. Despite significant interest from top European and Middle Eastern clubs, Osimhen had previously focused on continuing his career in Europe, especially in the English Premier League.
Before Victor Osimhen’s preference for the Saudi Pro League emerged, social media was abuzz with speculation about his next move, sparking heated debates among fans and friends. Nigerian journalist Adebayo Sulaiman, known as @PoojaMedia, had claimed that Osimhen would not be joining Chelsea this summer, countering other reports suggesting a transfer to England.
The transfer speculation around Victor Osimhen intensified when German-based Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba posted on X, suggesting that the Super Eagles striker might be on his way to Chelsea. Akatugba reported that, according to his sources (not Osimhen or his representatives), the player had tentatively agreed to a weekly wage of €350,000 with Chelsea, down from his initial demand of €500,000. However, he cautioned that Chelsea fans shouldn’t get too excited yet, as Saudi clubs are still in the running with potentially higher offers. This revelation ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with friends and fans passionately sharing their views on the unfolding situation.
In response to Oma Akatugba’s post, social media influencer and known friend of Victor Osimhen, @the_smallie, challenged the journalist’s claims, asserting that Akatugba’s information was inaccurate.
Reacting to Akatugba’s claims, Osimhen’s friend and social media influencer @the_smallie refuted the reported figures, stating, “He never asked for €500k, and Chelsea didn’t propose €350k. An accredited UEFA journalist shouldn’t spread misinformation.” Another influencer, @TheTifeFab, dismissed the claims as a “BIG LIE,” insisting that neither Chelsea nor Osimhen had discussed the amounts mentioned. @_AsiwajuLerry criticized Akatugba, alleging that he had a vendetta against Osimhen and was spreading false information. Supporting @the_smallie, @Iamadaba accused critics of harboring resentment towards Osimhen. Conversely, social commentator @Letter_to_Jack cautioned that while correcting misinformation is important, the detailed revelations could harm Osimhen’s reputation with future employers.
Commentators have questioned why only trusted journalists or insiders typically reveal accurate transfer details, arguing that friends and family of players are not reliable sources. They suggest that leaks from those outside the professional circle, like Osimhen’s friends, can reflect poorly on the player’s camp. @Letter_to_Jack and @Jerkingfish criticized Osimhen’s friends for engaging in public disputes over private contract details, suggesting it could harm the player’s reputation. In response to the news of Osimhen’s move to Saudi Arabia, Akatugba defended his earlier claims, asserting that Chelsea could not meet Osimhen’s financial demands and insisting that his reporting was accurate despite the backlash.
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