Victor Osimhen is on the verge of finalizing a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal, even as Galatasaray fans ramp up emotional efforts to convince the Nigerian striker to stay in Istanbul — including a bold plea on a Times Square billboard in New York City.

According to Sky Sports, the 26-year-old is in advanced talks with Al-Hilal over a three-year deal reportedly worth nearly £15 million per season. This comes despite fervent appeals from Galatasaray supporters, who have watched Osimhen shine in the Turkish Süper Lig with 25 goals and five assists in 29 appearances.

In one of the most high-profile fan campaigns yet, the message “Stay With Us” was displayed on a digital billboard in Times Square as part of the ongoing #StayWithUs movement, underscoring the passion of fans eager to keep their star.

Ahead of Galatasaray’s upcoming match against Başakşehir, fans are planning an even more elaborate tribute — a 5,000-drone display forming Osimhen’s portrait above Ali Sami Yen Rams Park.

However, these emotional appeals appear unlikely to deter Osimhen from his Saudi Arabian switch, with Al-Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel reportedly receiving verbal confirmation of the striker’s desire to join the Riyadh-based club.

Sky Sports Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri previously reported that Osimhen is in direct negotiations with bin Nafel, with personal terms close to being agreed on a contract that would see him earn an annual salary of up to €17.5 million, including bonuses.

The completion of the transfer now hinges solely on approval from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, with the ‘financial viability’ committee yet to give the green light to release the necessary government funds required to finalise the transaction.

“While personal terms are close to being reached between Osimhen and Fahad bin Nafel, Al Hilal cannot yet validate this transfer. Indeed, the Saudi club is waiting to receive the total amount expected from the Saudi government in order to finalise the transaction, and thus contact Napoli to conclude the agreement between the clubs,” Tavolieri reports.

Without the Ministry of Sports’ approval to release these funds, the deal would be impossible to complete, though Al-Hilal remain confident of securing government backing for what would be one of the Saudi Pro League’s most significant signings.