Osimhen to battle Messi in Club World Cup as 2 clubs prepare to trigger release clause

Nigerian goal-machine Victor Osimhen will be the hottest property on the market this summer, with some of the world's biggest clubs expected to battle for his signature.

While the European powerhouses vie for the striker's signing, Italian outlet Repubblica reports that Middle Eastern clubs Al Hilal and Al Ain, two clubs set to compete in the upcoming Club World Cup, are also looking to trigger his €75m release clause.

The Nigerian striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has a clause in his contract that allows non-Serie A clubs to secure his services for that fee.Osimhen has attracted interest from several European heavyweights, including Chelsea and Manchester United, who have already opened talks with his agent.

However, Repubblica (via TMW) suggests Al Hilal and Al Ayn could steal a march on the European clubs by activating Osimhen’s clause in June, ahead of the Club World Cup, where he could come up against the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

The tournament’s participants will have access to a special transfer window at the start of the month, giving the two clubs a chance to finalize a deal.

It’s unclear whether Osimhen would be open to leaving Europe at this stage of his career after establishing himself as one of the best strikers on the planet.

The Super Eagles man is having a stellar season, netting 33 goals and contributing 8 assists in 37 games for Galatasaray.