Al-Hilal Breaks Silence on Failed Osimhen Deal, Blames ‘Illogical Demands’ and Star Fatigue

Al-Hilal president, Fahad Bin Nafal, has revealed why the Saudi giants failed to seal a high-profile summer transfer for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite putting together one of the most lucrative packages in world football. Speaking publicly for the first time on the matter, Bin Nafal described the financial expectations from Osimhen’s camp as “illogical,” and said many top players were simply unwilling to negotiate due to post-season exhaustion.

The club, which recently appointed Simone Inzaghi as head coach following his Champions League final loss with Inter Milan on June 1, 2025, had been targeting Osimhen alongside AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. All three deals collapsed, raising eyebrows among fans and insiders given Al-Hilal’s recent history of landing global stars.

According to Bin Nafal, Al-Hilal made early moves even before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but timing and player priorities worked against them. “We’ve spoken with many players, but they want to go on vacation after a long season,” he said. “We tried to close deals before the World Cup, but time was tight, and after that, the offers became unrealistic.”

Napoli’s asking price for Osimhen is understood to still hover above €120 million, a valuation that Al-Hilal considered excessive when compared to the player’s willingness to relocate. Despite reportedly offering a salary package exceeding $45 million per year, the Nigerian forward, who scored 17 Serie A goals last season, turned down the deal.

Al-Hilal also failed in their shock attempt to hijack Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr, despite leveraging the appeal of playing in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is hosting. Sources say Ronaldo’s loyalty to Al-Nassr and branding commitments with the league played a crucial role in his decision to stay.

The Saudi club’s aggressive transfer push comes as the Pro League attempts to build on its global brand by bringing in more European talent. However, agents and European clubs are reportedly driving up prices due to oil-backed spending, with one scout calling it “a bidding war disguised as a transfer window.”

With less than two months before the Saudi Pro League’s August kickoff, Al-Hilal fans are growing restless, while the board continues exploring backup options. As the Osimhen saga fades, the message from Riyadh is clear—money alone doesn’t buy desire.