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Al Hilal target Osimhen as Benzema replacement after €130m bid
Photo: Soccernet.ng

Al Hilal target Osimhen as Benzema replacement after €130m bid

Al Hilal have renewed their pursuit of Victor Osimhen after Galatasaray rejected a €130m offer, with Karim Benzema expected to leave.

Galatasaray have rejected a €130 million proposal from Al Hilal for Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has scored 61 goals in 75 appearances for the Turkish club across all competitions.

Al Hilal are preparing another attempt before the summer transfer window closes, with Osimhen now their preferred option to lead the attack. The Saudi Pro League club have followed the Super Eagles forward for some time and previously tried to sign him in earlier windows.

Osimhen turned down a major offer from Al Hilal last summer before joining Galatasaray permanently. He has since strengthened his case with his scoring record, including two goals in Galatasaray’s first league match of the 2026/27 campaign against Corum, a game that ended in a draw.

Al Hilal’s renewed interest is tied to Karim Benzema’s expected departure. Benzema joined the club during the winter window after leaving Al Ittihad, but his exit is now expected to be completed in the coming days. That would leave a vacancy at centre-forward.

Darwin Nunez had also been considered for the position, although he is nearing a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. Osimhen has consequently become the leading target as Al Hilal seek a proven striker with experience at the highest level.

The Nigerian has made clear that he wants to stay at Galatasaray and help the club pursue further trophies. Galatasaray also want to retain him, but interest from Al Hilal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal could test that position. Arsenal have reopened discussions over a possible deal.

Al Hilal have the financial capacity to meet Galatasaray’s valuation and match Osimhen’s salary demands. If the Saudi club can persuade Galatasaray to reconsider, the 27-year-old could move to the Middle East for the next stage of his career.

Source: Soccernet.ng

Al Hilal