Nigeria Players Abroad
Victor Osimhen narrows options of next destination down to two clubs
By Wale Mustapha
Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has hinted on where his next destination would be if he decided to leave Serie A champions, Napoli in the summer.
The Super Eagles’ center forward has being a subject of transfer moves since two seasons ago after breaking into major scene at Napoli. He helped the Partenopei ended their over three decades’ long wait of Serie A title last season, scoring 26 goals in 31 games.
Osimhen was touted to leave for a number of Premier League and European clubs in the summer with Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG all lurking around for his signature.
The 24 year old disclosed that he will only leave Napoli for either Chelsea or Manchester United which have been his favorites from childhood.
“I don’t have a favourite Premier League team, but I’ve got two jerseys from my brother: Chelsea and Manchester United,” Osimhen said in a podcast interview.
“Many friends of mine are Chelsea fans; few of them are Manchester United fans. The Premier League is the most appreciated league by every African player, it’s a huge league.”
The former Lille striker also divulged on his failed transfer move to Saudi Arabia in the summer which described as tempting.
Al Hilal had made a huge bid for Osimhen that was turned down by the Serie A club but the striker did not have any regret over it.
“I’ve got to be honest; I never thought of leaving last summer, as Napoli wanted to keep me,” he conitnued.
“But when the offer from Saudi Arabia came in, it was a huge one. The big one… it was difficult to reject. Hilal bid? It was crazy. The more I said no, the more they increased their financial proposal again!
“It was literally like, WOW. It was going to change my life, and they never gave up! But I said, No, guys, thanks. I’m staying here.
“It was incredible to win the Scudetto in Napoli. I felt incredible love from the fans; it was really fantastic.”
Osimhen is still recuperating from a thigh injury he sustained while on international duty with Nigeria last month and Coach Rudi Garcia had hinted that his top striker will be back to action after the next international break.