Saudi Pro League Archives

Al-Hilal in Talks with Victor Osimhen

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago13 mins

Reports on Thursday indicate that Napoli’s highly sought-after striker, Victor Osimhen, is currently engaged in discussions regarding a potential move to Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal once the 2024-25 season concludes. This development follows earlier claims that the Nigerian international has rejected a proposal to join Juventus in the upcoming summer transfer window. Osimhen, who is currently enjoying a successful loan spell with Galatasaray, remains under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2026. However, it is widely expected that the Serie A club will look to sell him once his temporary stint in Turkey comes to an end. His contract with Napoli notably includes a €75 million release clause, which can be activated this summer. Crucially, this clause is not applicable to fellow Serie A clubs, meaning Juventus would likely have faced a significant premium to persuade Napoli to sell the star forward to a direct league rival. Despite Juventus’ reported keenness on a deal, earlier reports this week suggested Osimhen has turned down their offer, ruling out a move to Turin for the summer. Now, according to Footmercato, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have entered the frame and are actively in discussions to sign Osimhen this summer. Thursday’s report asserts that Al-Hilal are in search of a high-profile attacker, particularly following Neymar’s departure in January. Footmercato further details that Osimhen is considered the “ideal” recruit for Al-Hilal, and direct talks between the club and the player are currently underway. Al-Hilal’s squad already features several notable names familiar to Serie A fans, including Osimhen’s former Napoli teammate Kalidou Koulibaly, as well as Joao Cancelo and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Saudi club also boasts ex-Premier League and La Liga stars such as Yassine Bounou, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, indicating their ambition to attract top-tier talent. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Osimhen’s decision, which could see him join the growing list of prominent footballers making the move to the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Nassr reaches agreement to sign Victor Boniface

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Al-Nassr have reached an agreement worth around €60m to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, according to Sky Germany. The Nigerian becomes the club’s second most expensive departure in their history after Kai Havertz’ move to Chelsea for €80m in 2020. Boniface has already passed a medical with the Saudi club and will earn a reported €15m per season. Although an official confirmation from the club’s is still pending, this transfer should be made official before Friday’s deadline. It’s brings an to Boniface’s time in Germany after joining Die Werkself from Union Saint-Gilloise for €21.7m in July 2022. In his 18 months at the club, Boniface has scored 29 goals and created 11 in 49 games across all competitions, but has also missed a substantial amount through injury. Although not a like-for-like replacement, Bayer 04 are working on a deal to sign Aston Villa’s Emil Buendia on loan for the remainder of the season with a reported purchase option, while Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is also an option for the Bundesliga champions.

Boniface in talks to leave Leverkusen -Alonso

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Tuesday striker Victor Boniface is in talks to leave the club in the current transfer window. Sky Germany have reported Boniface, 24, is set for a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, for a transfer fee in excess of 50 million euros ($52 million). Boniface arrived in Leverkusen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 18 months ago for 20 million euros. He has scored 29 goals and laid on 11 assists in 49 matches for the club, but has not played since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty in November. The Nigeria striker missed training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague. “There are discussions with the club and we need to wait. We’re preparing without Boni,” Alonso told reporters Tuesday. “We will see. We need to wait a bit more but our preparation is with the rest of our squad who are ready and fit and in good shape at the moment. “It’s the last Champions League game and that’s our focus.” Alonso revealed Leverkusen were “getting close” to signing more players during the winter window and added: “I’m very satisfied with the squad and with our quality… and will be (at the end of the window).” In Boniface’s absence Patrik Schick has returned to form for Leverkusen with 13 goals in his past nine league games. Schick said Tuesday a possible Boniface departure “doesn’t change very much… I’ve always been focused on myself and I’m not looking at anyone else. “I’ll keep going like I have and whether Victor is here or not.” The 29-year-old Schick came through the youth system at Sparta Prague and said with a smile he was looking forward to some extra attention from the visiting fans. “It will be fun — I expect them to insult me from the stands.”