Ighalo expresses desire of wanting Osimhen to join Al-Hilal

Former Nigerian international Odion Ighalo has revealed that he would have preferred Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to join Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

It is worth recalling that Al-Hilal made an official bid of €70 million to Napoli for Osimhen’s services during the summer transfer window and had been linked with the striker throughout his tenure in Italy.

​However, following his loan move to Turkey in January 2025, the 25-year-old expressed a clear preference for Galatasaray, eventually joining the Turkish Süper Lig giants on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2026

Ighalo desire for Osimhen to join Al-Hilal

Speaking with Winwin, Ighalo stated that he remains hopeful the Nigerian star will join Al-Hilal before the conclusion of his career.

“Well, these are not mistakes, because as players we have to make our own decisions. 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.”

The former Al-Hilal striker explained that his stance stems from loyalty to his former club.

“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.”

Since making his move permanent, Osimhen has been nothing short of sensational for Galatasaray, justifying his status as one of the world’s elite marksmen.

His clinical finishing and aerial prowess have made him the focal point of the Lions’ attack.