Osimhen and Kvara's agent in war of words over Saudi League as Amunike urges Nigerian players to move to the Arabian country

The Saudi league has already become a thorn in Europe's top divisions as clubs like Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad managed to convince some of the world's best players to leave for astronomical money last summer.

And former Nigeria's assistant head coach Emmanuel Amunike doesn't agree with all the criticism and scrutiny towards the Saudi Pro League in Europe.

Speaking about the growth of the Saudi league, former Barcelona attacker Amunike told Tribal Football: “Saudi football has changed a lot and I think the Saudi people deserve to be respected and they have the right to change the narrative of football over there.

“I disagree with the idea that Saudis can come to Europe and buy European clubs, but they can't invest in their country to change the narrative of their football."

Nobody has benefited more from Saudi money than Newcastle United who were brought by Saudi's sovereign wealth fund the PIF in 2021. There is a point to be made that the Premier League sanctioned that takeover so they can't complain about Saudi clubs coming in for their stars to help grow their league.

Amunike continues to emphasise his support for the Saudi league by admitting that he wouldn't discourage players in Nigeria from considering playing in Saudi over Europe.

He said: “If a player comes to me to ask me about going there {Saudi Arabia} I would say to them 'Why not if it is the right project for you'".

There is every chance Saudi's unlimited wealth will come knocking on Europe's door again this January transfer window, but it is also possible that before long they will start looking to convince talents from around the world to join their ever-growing league.

Meanwhile, it is being predicted that Chelsea and Arsenal target Osimhen ‘will go to Saudi Arabia’ says Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent.

Mamuka Jugeli, says Osimhen will join a Saudi team next summer, but his client ‘is different’ and would rather play for Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Manchester City.

The Nigeria international has recently signed a contract extension with Napoli, which reportedly includes a €120-130m clause.

“Osimhen signed a new contract, but do you think he will spend his entire career at Napoli?” Jugeli said in an interview with Georgian media 1Tv, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I can already tell you he will go to Saudi Arabia next summer. Napoli has raised his salary, but Khvicha would not accept such a transfer even for €1 billion. He’d rather play for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester City. Kvaratskhelia has different targets and preferences.”

Osimhen’s new deal expires in June 2026 and Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with securing his services at the end of the season.

The comment did not go down well with Osimhen.

He angrily hit back at Jugeli’s comments with a post on Instagram which read: ‘Dear Mamuka Jugeli, you are a piece of filth and a disgrace.

‘I’m embarrassed at your sense of reasoning. Keep my name out of your mouth!!!’

Speaking to former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on The Obi One podcast in November, Osimhen insisted that he had no interest in joining the Saudi Pro League and made it clear he is keen to continue his career in Europe.

‘What was said was true, I had talks, in August that week was a huge one, a huge decision for me to take, but I put it in God’s hands,’ Osimhen said.

‘But the more I said no to these people [in Saudi Arabia] the more they increased it and increased it, it was literally like, ‘wow’, seeing these things.

 ‘I spoke with the people in charge and we spoke about it with my club and we saw what we could do, we decided, me and them and I told them, ‘I like these people, I want to stay, I don’t think I want to leave for now’. They understand where I’m coming from but they never gave up until their transfer window [closed].

‘I said to them even before we played the first game of the season, ‘It’s done’, I

didn’t want to go back thinking, of course it’s a huge one, an amazing one that’s going to change my life but of course I had to make the decision that’s good for my career too.

‘As much as we play football for money there’s more that comes with it.