Real Madrid will face their debut in the new Club World Cup with a high-voltage clash. Al Hilal will be their first opponent on June 18 in Miami. This match promises excitement from the very first minute.
Far from settling for the role of guest, the Saudi team is strengthening with high-profile names. They want to compete head-to-head with the best in the world. To achieve this, they're preparing a star signing that changes the outlook of the tournament.
A forward who had everything to reign
At the center of the project is Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward, just 27 years old, was not long ago on track to become one of the best on the planet. His physical power, speed, and goal-scoring instinct made him a sensation in Naples.
However, his progress was halted by injuries, poor sporting decisions, and a certain inconsistency. This season, he has played on loan at Galatasaray, but his contract still belongs to the Italian side. Now, his future is far from Europe.
Al Hilal go all out with Inzaghi
The Saudi club has made a move. They're willing to pay up to €70 million ($70 million) for Osimhen, although Naples is demanding the €75 million ($75 million) of his release clause. The differences are minimal, and everything indicates that the agreement is about to be reached.
Inzaghi, new coach of Al Hilal, knows the forward perfectly. They faced each other several times in Serie A when he was coaching Inter. Now, he'll be able to coach him in a tournament where the goal is clear: make history and put the European champion in trouble.
Millionaire contract and dream debut
Osimhen's arrival in Arabia will not only be sporting, but will also mark an economic milestone. It's estimated that he'll sign a contract until 2029 with a net salary of €35 million ($35 million) per season. This is a figure reserved for the biggest stars.
The first challenge won't take long. The debut against Real Madrid will test the new Al Hilal from the first minute. Florentino Pérez already knows the threat, while Xabi Alonso will have to design a plan to stop a forward who arrives hungry.
Arabia keeps signing talent to turn their league and clubs into global benchmarks. Osimhen's case confirms this strategy. He says goodbye to European soccer to become the great white threat in the most ambitious international tournament of the year.