'He's Nigerian like me' - Onetime Chelsea chief Emenalo confirms he wants Osimhen in Saudi Arabia

Michael Emenalo, former Technical Director of Chelsea, has confirmed that he wants Victor Osimhen to join a Saudi Arabian Pro League club.

Retired Nigeria international Emenalo, who was a member of the Super Eagles squad to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, is now the Director of Football of the Saudi Pro League. 

The Saudi Pro League has become a key player in the transfer market, attracting several prominent African stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Edouard Mendy, Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly this summer. 

In recent days, Al Hilal have made offers to sign Osimhen, ranging between 120 million and 160 million euros, but the bids were not accepted by Napoli. 

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants to keep his most expensive acquisition even without the striker renewing his contract, unless an astronomical offer too good to turn down is received. 

The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich were all interested in Osimhen but were priced out of a deal and shifted their focus to other targets.

"Osimhen is Nigerian like me. For me he is great, a fantastic football artist. Would I want him here in this league? Sure, I'd like to," Emenalo said to Corriere dello Sport.

"I'm sure he would be fine. I am sure that Napoli will manage, will overcome it and will be able to find another Nigerian as strong".

The 24-year-old Osimhen has been playing for Napoli since 2020, scoring 59 goals and setting up 14 others in 101 official matches in various competitions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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