Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has expressed his preference for playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) over the Saudi Pro League if offered similar conditions. The 24-year-old Nigerian international recently turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi side Al Hilal.
In a Twitch interview with Emiliano Viviano and former Italy forward Mario Balotelli, Osimhen emphasized his contentment at Napoli. He explained that people often underestimate the challenges of playing in Serie A, considering it one of the most tactically and physically demanding leagues in the world. When asked about his preferred destination between MLS and the Saudi Pro League, Osimhen stated that he would choose MLS given the same conditions.
Despite his inclination toward MLS, Osimhen did not disregard the Saudi Pro League altogether. He acknowledged the league’s recent attractiveness due to the high-profile signings of star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar Jr. Last summer, the Saudi clubs’ spending spree exceeded $1 billion, with 94 overseas players from Europe’s top leagues making the move. Osimhen appreciated their efforts to develop the league into one of the best in the world, highlighting Ronaldo’s influence in attracting talented players.
While Osimhen remains open to opportunities, he has yet to make a decision about his future. Napoli has been engaged in contract extension negotiations with the talented forward, but Osimhen has not signed a new deal. His current agreement with the club expires in June 2025. Despite the ongoing discussions, Napoli remains hopeful that Osimhen will commit to a long-term future with the club. However, the team recently released a statement suggesting the player is having second thoughts about continuing with Napoli beyond 2025.
Osimhen’s impact at Napoli has been noteworthy since joining the Italian club from Lille in the summer of 2020. He contributed significantly to their Serie A title win last season, scoring 31 goals. The victory marked Napoli’s first league championship in 33 years.
The future remains uncertain for Victor Osimhen as he contemplates his options. While expressing a preference for MLS, he maintains an appreciation for the Saudi Pro League’s ambitions. As negotiations continue between Napoli and Osimhen, fans eagerly await the resolution of his contract situation and hope to see him continue his impressive performances on the field.