Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal ‘could make another move for Victor Osimhen in January’ in the wake of Napoli’s offensive TikTok videos… after failing to tempt the striker with a £38M-A-YEAR deal over the summer
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal would be the frontrunners for Victor Osimhen’s signature should the striker decide to leave Napoli following a controversial social media post that appeared to mock the player, according to reports in Italy.
The Serie A side sparked controversy when they posted two videos to their TikTok account that appeared to make fun of the 24-year-old, with one showing Osimhen missing a penalty, and the second – which spread online and has since removed – compared the player to a “coconut,” widely seen as a racial slur.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda threatened the club with legal action as the videos became increasingly popular on social media, but amid the storm of controversy Osimhen started for the Scudetto winners against Udinese on Wednesday night and scored in the 4-1 win.
But, like Mailsport It was reported on Thursday that the striker was already unhappy at the club before the social media storm, and could leave from Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, just six months after playing a key role in ending Spain’s 33-year title drought the club. .
Should he want to switch from Napoli, the biggest interest could come from one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs.
Victor Osimhen’s former suitor Al-Hilal could be the frontrunner to sign the player in January if the 24-year-old decides his relationship with Napoli is beyond repair
Napoli posted videos to their TikTok that appeared to mock Osimhen for appealing a penalty in Sunday’s goalless draw against Bologna and his subsequent miss from the spot
A second video, reportedly from the club’s account, compared Osimhen to a ‘coconut’
From Gazetta dello SportAl-Hilal promised Osimhen an astronomical five-year deal that could see the player earn £38m a year over the summer, as well as paying his steep release clause estimated at £173m.
However, Napoli’s owner Aurelio De Laurentiis was confident that the player who had been crucial to the club’s success last season would remain in Campania.
It is believed he told the Gulf State club that they could not even buy ‘a foot’ with the deal on offer.
The Saudi Pro League side opted to instead bring in a host of international attacking talent, including Neymar Jr., Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic before the window closed in September.
Bayern Munich and Newcastle are also thought to have made progress on the player during the summer transfer window, but Napoli’s intention to keep Osimhen kept him in Rudi Garcia’s lineup.
Less than four months later, the situation is completely different: Osimhen is said to have fallen out with Garcia over playing a smaller role in his side, and was furious when he was substituted during the club’s match against Bologna this weekend.
Following the release of the disturbing TikToks, Osimhen went so far as to delete all evidence of his playing for Napoli from his Instagram.
A previous issue between the two sides involved an issue where Napoli denied Osimhen permission to film a charity video for charities in Africa, which would have deepened a growing rift.
Osimhen is also said to be disappointed that the club did not initially issue a public apology following the publication of TikToks.
The club’s hierarchy spoke privately with their player on Wednesday but waited another 24 hours before releasing the statement detailing how highly Osimhen was valued by the club.
“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, points out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club,” the statement said.
‘As proof of this, Club resolutely rejected any offer for a transfer abroad for the striker during the summer training.
“Social media, especially TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with lightheartedness and creativity, without, as in the case of Osimhen as the main character, intending to offend or mock.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis refused to sell the player at any price this summer
Al-Hilal switched to Neymar Jr instead. of Paris Saint-Germain as they strengthened their attack
The Nigerian star (centre, masked) scored against Udinese, but refused to celebrate his goal
Eyebrows were raised as Osimhen looked furious after his substitution against Bologna
“In any case, if Victor perceived any insult towards him, this was not the intention of the club.”
The Nigeria international has not yet responded to the club’s message, which does not contain an explicit apology.
Should Osimhen want to move on in January, Chelsea are believed to be another side interested in securing the services of the prolific striker as they look to find a solution to their goalscoring woes.
The west London side scored just one goal in September as they sealed the Carabao Cup win against Brighton, ending a run of three games without getting on the scoresheet.