Why Victor Osimhen May Consider a Move to Saudi Arabia – Analyst Onur Tugrul Explains
Deep Cultural Roots and a Sense of Duty Could Influence Super Eagles Star's Future
As the Saudi Pro League continues its aggressive pursuit of world-class football talent, one name that keeps surfacing in transfer rumors is Nigeria’s very own Victor Osimhen, the formidable Super Eagles striker and Napoli frontman. Now, a respected Turkish football analyst, Onur Tugrul, has added his voice to the growing speculation by offering a unique perspective on why Osimhen might be open to a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia—and his reasons go far beyond football.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on the Vole YouTube Channel, Tugrul provided deep insight into Osimhen’s life, cultural values, and personal responsibilities, suggesting that these could play a significant role in his future career decisions.
“Edin Dzeko rejected an offer worth three times more from Saudi Arabia before joining Fenerbahçe. However, Victor Osimhen’s situation is different,” Tugrul explained.
“Osimhen supports hundreds, possibly thousands of people back in Africa. He comes from a background where people live in very crowded environments and depend on him.”
These powerful statements paint a vivid picture of a player whose decisions may be influenced as much by his sense of responsibility to his community as by sporting ambitions.
Victor Osimhen: Not Just a Football Star, But a Lifeline to Many
At just 26 years old, Victor Osimhen has emerged as one of the most important figures in African football. Known for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and sheer physicality, Osimhen played a key role in leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades. However, beyond the goals and trophies lies a deeply grounded individual whose rise from the streets of Olusosun, Lagos, to football stardom remains nothing short of inspirational.
Osimhen has never been shy about his humble beginnings. Born into a family of limited means, he experienced poverty firsthand. The death of his mother and the harsh realities of growing up in one of Lagos’s most densely populated areas shaped the young striker's outlook on life. It is this connection to his roots that Tugrul believes will influence any decision Osimhen makes about his future.
The Saudi Arabia Temptation: A New Era in Football Transfers
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a major player in global football, offering astronomical wages to attract some of the biggest names in the sport. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., and N’Golo Kanté have all made the switch to the Middle East. The Saudi Pro League's ambition is not just to grow its domestic football scene but also to become a global football hub.
With transfer windows opening and clubs flush with cash, Osimhen is reportedly on the radar of several Saudi clubs. While such a move might not have been appealing to many young stars in their prime, Tugrul believes Osimhen's unique background makes him different from the rest.
“He Only Eats Nigerian Food”: A Man of Deep Cultural Ties
Beyond financial reasons, Tugrul offered an intriguing glimpse into Osimhen’s everyday lifestyle that reveals just how deeply he remains tied to his Nigerian identity.
“Even when he goes out at night, he’s always surrounded by a group. He doesn’t dine at Turkish restaurants—he only eats Nigerian food,” Tugrul said.
This may seem like a minor detail to the casual observer, but for those who understand the psychological and emotional value of food, tradition, and belonging, it is a clear sign that Osimhen is someone who values his heritage profoundly. In an era when many stars quickly adopt Western habits and lose connection to their origins, Osimhen remains grounded, reminding many fans of what it means to be truly Nigerian, no matter where life takes you.
Financial Responsibility to Family and Community
Tugrul’s comments underscore an important point: Osimhen is not just playing football for fame or personal gain. For him, every contract and salary negotiation carries weight far beyond his own needs.
“Osimhen supports hundreds, possibly thousands of people back in Africa,” Tugrul emphasized. “He comes from a background where people live in very crowded environments and depend on him.”
This is a powerful reminder that in many parts of Africa, when one person succeeds, entire families and communities succeed. For Osimhen, a move to a league offering significantly higher wages could mean transforming lives—building homes, sending children to school, paying hospital bills, and creating economic opportunities that would otherwise never exist.
From this perspective, a move to Saudi Arabia may not be about football at all—it could be about legacy, impact, and responsibility.
Would a Saudi Move Affect Osimhen’s Career?
There’s no doubt that Osimhen is currently among Europe’s elite strikers. His performances in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League have made him a hot target for clubs in the English Premier League and elsewhere. However, a move to Saudi Arabia could change the narrative of his career path.
Traditionally, top players only considered the Middle East at the tail end of their careers. But the trend is changing. With Saudi clubs offering world-class training facilities, competitive football, and financial stability, the stigma is fading.
Still, questions remain:
-
Would a move to the Saudi Pro League hinder his chances of winning prestigious individual awards?
-
Could it affect his future call-ups to the Nigerian national team?
-
Will fans see such a move as ambitious or as a step down?
While these questions are valid, Tugrul believes that Osimhen’s personal values and commitments may outweigh professional considerations.
Conclusion: A Decision Rooted in More Than Money
The possibility of Victor Osimhen transferring to Saudi Arabia is not just about football. It’s about identity, community, and duty. As Onur Tugrul insightfully noted, Osimhen is unlike many of his peers. He lives with the weight of expectations from back home, and every major life choice is guided not just by ambition, but by a heartfelt desire to uplift those who helped raise him.
In an era when many athletes are accused of being out of touch, Osimhen stands as a rare example of someone who hasn’t forgotten where he came from. If a move to Saudi Arabia materializes, it won’t simply be about chasing money—it could be about fulfilling a greater purpose.
So while football fans across Europe may hope to see him continue dazzling in the UEFA Champions League, Nigerians and admirers around the world will understand if he chooses a path that allows him to honor his roots and uplift his people.
