Africa’s number-one striker at the moment will be on the move in the summer, and the Spanish giants could be among the potential suitors
Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro is convinced that Victor Osimhen would be a hit at Barcelona should he decide to leave Napoli at the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Reigning Africa Footballer of the Year Osimhen is almost guaranteed to leave Napoli in the summer, with English moneybags Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle thought to be the favourites for his signature.
Interests abound from other parts of Europe as well, with French champions Paris Saint Germain likely to see Osimhen as a potential replacement for the departing Kylian Mbappe.
With Osimhen not expected to leave Napoli on the cheap, Barcelona are not often in the conversation for the Super Eagles striker’s possible destination.
Aside from the financial considerations, many reasons that Osimhen, with his direct style, would not be able to fit into the system at Barcelona.
Peseiro has, however, waved away such thinking, insisting that Osimhen can play in the biggest clubs in the world, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Citing how Erling Haaland adapted well at Manchester City after facing similar criticisms, Peseiro believes Osimhen would add an extra dimension to Barcelona should he decide to join them.
“I think he can play for any team in the world,” Peseiro told Spanish publication, Sport.
“I’m not going to say one to avoid speculation. He is an animal when it comes to pressing, very good with his head, in the area, and with his eye, which he also associates.
“Of course, he doesn’t associate like other Barça players, but City also looked for associative football and went for Haaland.
“Aren’t City winning? Isn’t Erling scoring goals? Osimhen is a player to play for Barça, Madrid, or another.
“Other associative players do not have his vertical movements, his aerial ability, or his pressure. He can play on the best team in the world.”
With Osimhen as his main man in attack, Peseiro led Nigeria to an impressive second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Algeria are, however, doing their best to lure Peseiro to dump Nigeria and take over as the coach of their national team.
