Victor Osimhen: Al Hilal president explains why club missed out on Nigerian striker

By Wale Mustapha

Al Hilal president Fahad Bin Nafal has shed light on the club’s failed attempt to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, citing poor timing and unrealistic transfer demands as key reasons the deal—and several others—did not materialize.

Osimhen was among a high-profile list of targets for the Saudi Pro League champions, alongside AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, and even an ambitious move to lure Cristiano Ronaldo, which also fell through.

Bin Nafal revealed that the club engaged in negotiations with several top players but encountered challenges ranging from scheduling conflicts to inflated offers and players opting for post-season vacations.

“We’ve spoken with many players, but they want to go on vacation after a long season,” Bin Nafal said.

“We tried to sign several players before the World Cup, but were unsuccessful due to lack of time and faced illogical offers.”

Al Hilal, who recently appointed Simone Inzaghi as their new manager following his Champions League final loss with Inter Milan, had aimed to bolster their squad significantly ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off Saturday in the United States.

Despite missing out on their marquee targets, Al Hilal remain focused on making an impact at the Club World Cup, where they will be among 32 clubs vying for global glory in the revamped competition.