Osimhen: I'd rather play in Major League Soccer than Saudi Arabian Professional League

Victor Osimhen has revealed he would rather play alongside Lionel Messi in the United States than move to the Saudi Professional League after joining Al Hilal in the summer.

Osimhen, 24, had a lucrative offer from Saudi side Al Hilal this summer but was reportedly rejected by Napoli.

"I'm very happy in Napoli," Osimhen said in a Twitch interview with Emiliano Viviano and former Italy striker Mario Balotelli.

"People don't know how difficult it is to play in Serie A. It's one of the most difficult leagues to play in from a tactical and physical point of view."

Asked whether he would play in MLS or the Saudi Professional League if given the same conditions, Osimhen said: "If I had the same conditions, I would go to MLS."

However, Osimhen did praise the Saudi Professional League.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Al Nassr in January, the Saudi league has attracted some of the sport's biggest names, including 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and Brazilian forward Neymar Jr.

Last summer, Saudi clubs spent nearly $1 billion to introduce 94 overseas players from major European leagues.

“They are trying to grow their league, which is good,” Osimhen said.

"One of the greatest of all time [Ronaldo] has gone there. Because of his [Ronaldo's] influence, they've attracted a lot of talented players to go there as well. So for me it's really good that they're going Trying to build their league to be one of the best. To me, they're doing some amazing things."

Osimhen has yet to make a decision on his future. The Nigeria international is yet to sign a new deal, with his current deal set to expire in June 2025, despite months of talks over a contract extension.

Napoli remain hopeful that Osimhen will sign a new contract, despite the club claiming the player is "reconsidering" staying at the club beyond 2025.

A Napoli statement on October 20 said: "After lengthy negotiations, culminating in a handshake confirming the desire to continue the partnership, Victor has changed his mind."

Osimhen joined Naples from Lille in the summer of 2020 and scored 31 goals last season, helping Naples win the Serie A championship for the first time in 33 years.