ماذا يُطبخ في نيجيريا؟

In an open race against time, Al-Hilal Saudi is moving on multiple fronts to finalize one of its most anticipated deals this summer, which is the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, the star of Italian club Napoli.

The leader, preparing to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, is striving to put the finishing touches on the Osimhen deal, preempting any bureaucratic or negotiation complications or last-minute approvals.

In a smart precautionary move, Al-Hilal has already scheduled a medical examination for the player, paving the way to close the deal as soon as the official approval arrives, clearly indicating the seriousness of the blue team's actions in critical moments.

Despite agreeing on the broad outlines, negotiations between Al-Hilal and Napoli are still experiencing ups and downs; the Italian club aims to secure the maximum possible value, amid pressure from the player who has shown initial approval of the Saudi offer.

According to sources, Al-Hilal's offer has reached €65 million + €5 million in incentives, with Al-Hilal being flexible enough to pay the full release clause of €75 million if necessary.

But... what is cooking in Nigeria?

Osimhen has finally returned to his home country Nigeria for a short visit, amid clear secrecy regarding his final decision.

What is brewing there? The player is in contact with his surroundings and advisors, and may be consulting with his family before giving Al-Hilal the final word.

So far, Al-Hilal is keen to keep all negotiation lines open, with communication channels remaining active with the player's camp.

In a calculated precautionary step, Al-Hilal has completed the booking for the player's medical tests in Paris, in anticipation of any sudden approval in the coming hours or days.

Sources confirm that the medical aspect is merely a final detail awaiting administrative resolution from Napoli.

Global sources indicate that Al-Hilal is making progress toward an agreement despite the complexities of the last moments, and that it is close to finalizing the deal with Napoli's management, benefiting from Osimhen's desire to embark on a new experience.

Al-Hilal, for its part, is ready to turn the offer into an official agreement at any moment, with the legal and financial management prepared to sign contracts as soon as the green light is received.

On a personal level, Osimhen continues to maintain his secrecy and does not publicly comment on the developments of the negotiations.

Al-Hilal, on its side, is dealing with flexibility and calm, supported by its close relationships with the player's camp and the new coach Simone Inzaghi, who is considered an additional asset and strength in the deal.

With the appointment of Simone Inzaghi as the new head coach of Al-Hilal, the question remains open: Will Al-Hilal compete in the FIFA Club World Cup with the same formation built by Jesus? Or will the addition of Osimhen cause a revolution in the blue team's attacking plans under the Italian's leadership?

The answer, as is the case with the deal itself, is dependent on the next few hours.