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Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has shared his honest thoughts on the future of Victor Osimhen, revealing that he still hopes the prolific forward will one day play for Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, Footynaija reports.
Osimhen’s name was heavily linked with Al-Hilal during his time at Napoli, when the Saudi side reportedly prepared a massive financial package including a €75 million release clause payment and a salary offer said to be worth €40 million per season. Despite the financial attraction, the striker chose to remain in European football, prioritising competitive ambitions over a move away from the continent’s elite leagues.
That decision ultimately led him to Galatasaray, where he first arrived on loan before sealing a permanent transfer after helping the Turkish club secure both league and cup titles. His performances have since justified that choice, with goals and decisive displays making him one of the most influential forwards in Europe this season.
Reflecting on the situation, Ighalo insisted that players must follow their own instincts when making major career decisions.
Osimhen pressing leads to three goals 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/OHaxg8wNLB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2026
“Well, these are not mistakes, because as players we have to make our own decisions,” he told Winwin.
“For me, I wished he had gone to Al-Hilal, but Galatasaray is a big club, the biggest in Turkey, and they participate in the Champions League and perform well. And most importantly, he is performing well there with Galatasaray.”
Ighalo’s admiration for Al-Hilal stems from his own successful spell in Saudi Arabia, where he scored freely and won major domestic honours. Because of that strong connection, he believes a future move could still happen.
“For me, and out of love for Al-Hilal as it is one of the teams I played for in Saudi Arabia, I wished that Osimhen would join it. Perhaps not now, but after the end of his experience with Galatasaray, he can still move to Al-Hilal later.”
For now, Osimhen remains focused on European success. The striker has already scored 52 goals in 64 matches for Galatasaray.
