Al-Ahli ready to make Chelsea target Osimhen highest-paid Nigerian player in history; Ighalo holds record

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli are ready to make Chelsea target  Victor Osimhen the highest-paid Nigerian footballer in history, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

According to transfer market reporter Ben Jacobs, Al-Ahli are continuing their push to sign the reigning African Footballer of the Year and have presented a four-year contract worth 30 million euros (approximately N53 billion in Nigerian currency) per season. 

2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer Odion Ighalo became Nigeria's highest-earning footballer in history following his move to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua in February 2019.

The former Flying Eagles captain took home more than 12.1 million euros every season at Shanghai Shenhua.

Osimhen is requesting a release clause to be included in his contract based on market value and Al-Ahli are open to including such a clause as they believe it could improve their chances of signing the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Boot winner. 

A day before the close of the summer transfer window in England, Premier League giants Chelsea remain in the race to sign Osimhen but are not ready to change their position,  a loan deal with no obligation to buy him outright at the end of the season. 

Chelsea are confident of reaching an agreement with Napoli if Osimhen accepts to move to Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis. 

The 25-year-old signed a contract extension with Napoli last December with a release clause of 130 million euros inserted into the agreement, valid only for foreign clubs. 

After signing the contract extension, the Super Eagles striker saw his salary increase from 4.5 million euros to 10 million euros plus bonuses with effect from the start of the 2023-2024 campaign. 

The summer transfer window closes in Saudi Arabia on September 2, meaning Al-Ahli have four more days to convince Osimhen to join the club, provided his proposed move to Chelsea falls through. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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