Following claims by Italian journalist Valter De Maggio that Nigeria international Victor Osimhen may consider a move to the Middle East during the next transfer window, some Nigerian fans have urged the Napoli striker to shelve such a plan, PRIMANEWS Sports Extra reports.
The striker has been linked with a move away from Napoli and many believe the game against Lecce at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last Sunday could be his last appearance for the Naples-based outfit.
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club record fee €70m plus another €10m in bonuses and has been in sensational form for the Parthenopeans for the past two seasons, guiding them to their first Scudetto title in over three decades.
Following impressive seasons with Napoli, Oismhen emerged one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and was linked with moves to Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Liverpool among others.
Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli De Maggio claimed that Osimhen’s preference is a move to Arsenal over other contenders but his hefty €130m release clause could serve as a stumbling block for the Gunners, which might make the Nigerian consider a move to the Middle East.
“Osimhen wants the Premier League; if the offer doesn’t come then he would consider the Arab one. There is no club paying the clause today, Osimhen would like Arsenal otherwise he would consider Saudi Arabia,” De Maggio stated.
Reacting to the journalist’s assertion, some Nigerians took to Facebook urging the striker not to consider such a move.
Enebi Christian wrote, “Osimhen should please not try going to Saudi this time, he is still young for that. We know that there’s lots of money there, but still, he has to find a better club where he can perform very well and win trophies, possibly make a name.”
Reuben Osazuwa believes a move to the Middle East could spell the end of his career.
“If he goes to Saudi now, that would be the end of his career,” he wrote.
“Saudi will pay him lucrative money but will never renew his contract once it expires, thereby leaving him without a club in Europe. Going to Saudi at this early stage of his career is a wrong decision. Money is not everything.”
Mike Odunlami added, “He shouldn’t be carried away with monetary considerations but focus on his flourishing career.”
Paul Iregbenu thought that a move to Chelsea could still earn him lucrative pay.
“What money will Chelsea not pay him? The Saudi move is a career-ending one. There is still time to make that move, not now,” he wrote.
“Saudi? Not now. Only Ronaldo’s name you hear in Saudi because he was already a megastar even before going there. It will be money-spinning but a career-ending move. He can shine for many years at the top before going to the Saudi league,” Erimako Kunle opined.