Former Nigeria and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has shared his thoughts on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Super Eagles hitman Victor Osimhen’s next move amid concrete transfer interest from football clubs all over the world, Footynaija.com reports.
Following his irreparable fallout with the Napoli hierarchy last summer, Osimhen is guaranteed to quit Naples this summer with a glut of suitors looking to acquire his services. Relentless interest from the Middle-East has seen the Nigerian reject Al-Hilal at least twice already, yet, the Saudi Pro League giants have refused to give up hope.
Osimhen is also attracting interest from Europe with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus and Galatasaray all touted as potential landing spots. However, his wage demands appear to be too steep for the majority of these clubs, with several fans calling for the striker to lower his demands.
For Ighalo though, Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world and is worth whatever value he places on himself. The former Watford striker believes his compatriot’s mental fortitude and hard work will make his next move a win-win situation for all parties involved.
Everything Odion Ighalo said about Victor Osimhen
“For me, in the world today, you can’t mention two strikers without his name. It’s impossible. He’s doing so well,” the former Watford striker said in an interview with News Central.
“We (Nigerians) underrate our own, and that’s the same across Africa. We underrate African players and potential, but if you search the world now for a proper goalscorer, tell me two or three, you’ll mention him (Osimhen).
“I think Victor is mentally strong, because he’s gone through challenges in his life, even at his age, and he has overcome them. He knows what he wants. We were together two days ago, but we didn’t talk about football; we just had fun.
“I believe he knows what he wants, he’s grown, he’s worked hard, and if he calls me for a word, I’ll speak from my opinion, but any decision he makes, it’s a win-win for him.
“If he goes to Saudi now, if he doesn’t go until two years later, it doesn’t matter, because last year they came, he didn’t go, they came this year, he’s declined, they’ll still come again.”
While Osimhen is currently enjoying his end of season holidays in Nigeria, the time to make that crucial decision about his next destination is fast approaching.