How Cristiano Ronaldo's Future Could Affect Osimhen's Transfer Situation
Victor Osimhen’s future remains one of the summer transfer window's biggest talking points, and a new twist has emerged — the uncertain future of Cristiano Ronaldo could directly impact where the Nigerian striker ends up next. Turkish football expert Zeki Uzundurukan, editor-in-chief of Fotomac, has suggested that Ronaldo’s potential move to Al Hilal could drastically alter Osimhen’s transfer trajectory.
Currently, Osimhen has not secured a move to a European club, despite previous interest from top teams in the Premier League. The Super Eagles striker’s high wage demands have reportedly cooled that interest. However, he does have significant offers from clubs outside Europe, particularly from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Turkish giants Galatasaray.
According to Uzundurukan, Al Hilal’s interest in Osimhen hinges heavily on whether they can sign Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract with Al Nassr has expired. "Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr has ended. He could go to Al Hilal. If he goes there, Osimhen's transfer will be shelved," Uzundurukan explained.
The logic is simple: both players command massive wages and attention, and Al Hilal is unlikely to pursue both simultaneously. If Ronaldo joins Al Hilal, the club is expected to withdraw its offer for Osimhen, focusing its financial and strategic resources on the Portuguese legend.
This development leaves Galatasaray as the most serious contender for Osimhen’s signature. The Turkish champions, who are not subject to England’s 40% tax on footballer wages, are reportedly willing to match or even exceed the financial package Osimhen is seeking. "European teams have not been able to reach those figures as much as Galatasaray," Uzundurukan noted. “There is no tax system in Türkiye. He will earn more.”
Despite the prestige of playing in Europe’s top five leagues, Osimhen is reportedly yet to receive a concrete offer from any major UEFA Champions League side. With clubs like Galatasaray and Al Hilal willing to meet his financial expectations, his options remain open — but time is ticking.
Ronaldo’s next move could be the domino that sets everything in motion. While he has an extension offer on the table from Al Nassr, he is reportedly unhappy with the club’s lack of trophies since his arrival. His possible move to Al Hilal is also fueled by the upcoming inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament both Al Hilal and Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca — another rumored Ronaldo destination — are set to participate in.
If Ronaldo does join Al Hilal, Osimhen will need to look elsewhere. Should Ronaldo reject the move, however, Osimhen might find himself the face of the Saudi club’s future project.
As the window unfolds, all eyes are not only on Osimhen but on Ronaldo — and whichever direction he chooses could very well dictate the path of one of Africa’s brightest footballing stars.
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