Report: Victor Ikpeba backs Nigerian star’s move to Lazio amid Besiktas interest

Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has voiced his support for a potential Italian move for Nigerian forward, Rafiu Durosinmi, Soccernet.ng reports.

Durosinmi's outstanding performance for the Czech club, Viktoria Plzen, has piqued the interest of the Italian Serie A side Lazio, who have been reportedly linked to securing his signature.

The former CAF Player of the Year, Ikpeba, has urged the Viktorians to adopt a more flexible stance during their negotiations for the player.

Speaking to Africafoot, the ex-Monaco striker revealed the importance of allowing young talents, just like Durosinmi, to chase their dreams when a top European club comes calling.

“We must respect Viktoria Plzen's requests, as he is their player, but I think they should be more flexible for the sake of his career. Situations like this can break a player his age, as they sometimes feel betrayed by their club,” Ikpeba said.

The 22-year-old Lagos-born striker has emerged as a hot prospect in Europe following impressive performances in the Czech league and UEFA Europa League, where he has scored five goals and provided two assists in 12 appearances this season.

As earlier reported by Soccernet.ng, Lazio, who first showed interest in Durosinmi last summer, have reportedly revived talks with Viktoria Plzen for a potential four-year deal, but the Czech club’s €4 million asking price has stalled progress. Turkish giants Besiktas are also said to be monitoring the situation closely.

Ikpeba, speaking on the Czech club holding on to their asking price, believes the Serie A move could be career-defining for Durosinmi, and a convenient negation should be made in this regard.

“It's not every day that a club like Lazio knocks on your door. For a player, it's a dream. In my opinion, he shouldn't be denied this unique opportunity. He's an exceptional talent who, if he joins Lazio, could blossom into a great player.”

With interest growing from clubs across Europe, including England and Turkey, the coming weeks could be pivotal for Durosinmi, whose future now hangs on Viktoria Plzen’s willingness to negotiate.