Victor Osimhen admits MLS preference over Saudi Pro League
If given the “same conditions,” Napoli forward Victor Osimhen says he would rather play in MLS than the Saudi Pro League.
Victor Osimhen, 24, reportedly turned down a substantial offer from Saudi club Al Hilal this summer.
When asked if he would prefer play in the MLS or the Saudi Pro League given the same circumstances, Osimhen replied, “If given the same circumstances, I would go to MLS.”
Osimhen, on the other hand, praised the Saudi Pro League.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s January entrance to Al Nassr, the Saudi league has recruited some of the game’s brightest names, including 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr.
Last summer, Saudi teams spent nearly $1 billion on 94 foreign players from Europe’s top divisions.
Last summer, Saudi teams spent nearly $1 billion on 94 foreign players from Europe’s top divisions.
Osimhen hasn’t made up his mind about his future. Despite months of contract extension talks, the Nigeria international has yet to sign a new contract, with his current term expiring in June 2025.
Despite the club’s claims that Osimhen is having “second thoughts” about staying at the club beyond 2025, Napoli is optimistic that he will sign a new contract.
Osimhen, who will join Napoli from Lille in the summer of 2020, scored 31 goals last season to help Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years.
“I am happy at Napoli,” Osimhen said in a Twitch interview with Emiliano Viviano and former Italy forward Mario Balotelli.
“People don’t know how difficult it is to play in Serie A. From a tactical and physical point of view, it’s one of the most difficult leagues to play in.”
“They are trying to develop their league, which is good,” Osimhen said.
“One [Ronaldo] of the greatest of all time has gone there. Because of his [Ronaldo’s] influence, they have attracted a lot of talented players to also go there. So for me it’s really good, they are trying to build their league into one of the best. For me they are doing something amazing.”
“After a long negotiation, culminating with a handshake that confirmed the desire to continue the relationship, Victor had second thoughts,” a Napoli statement said on Oct. 20.
