Former Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion forward Peter Odemwingie has sent a strong warning to compatriot Victor Osimhen amid growing transfer speculation ahead of the summer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Galatasaray forward Osimhen has once again found himself at the centre of transfer headlines with uncertainty surrounding his future at the Turkish champions.
Despite attracting interest from several top clubs when he wanted to leave Napoli in the summer of 2024, the Nigerian striker initially joined Galatasaray on loan, before the move was made permanent for a Turkish record €75 million last summer.
The 27-year-old has since justified the club’s faith in him with an impressive goalscoring record, netting 57 goals across all competitions in just two seasons, including 20 goals this campaign.
Peter Odemwingie advises Victor Osimhen on next club
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked with several European heavyweights ahead of the summer transfer window, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
It has led to doubts over his long-term future at Galatasaray, although the Turkish champions are reportedly unwilling to part ways with the striker and are said to have placed a €150 million valuation on him to push away interested clubs.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has continued to enjoy a strong relationship with the Galatasaray supporters and has previously spoken openly about his affection for the club and its fans.
Speaking during an interview with Brila FM, Peter Odemwingie suggested that Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid would be better destinations for the Super Eagles striker if he eventually leaves Galatasaray during the summer transfer window.
“I will say Arsenal and Barcelona will be good. Real Madrid is also class for him”, the former Lille striker said.
“Anywhere he goes, when they move the ball nicely, he can make a call for the ball. He is good in the air as well. Maybe they will say Arsenal isn’t a matured squad because the squad is too young, so he needs a more matured one so that the whole job is not put on his hands.
“But with his speed, he can make a huge difference. Regardless, all those guys are very good players. He is fast and he can head as well. He has the advantage of height and he jumps very well — that’s English football for you.
“Real Madrid also has a big pitch; it’s wide, and it will suit him making runs and all that. Barcelona and Real Madrid of course. The latter has a big pitch which is wide. It will suit him making runs.”
Despite the possibility of becoming only the second Nigerian player after Odion Ighalo to play for Manchester United, Odemwingie has sent a strong warning to Osimhen against joining the Premier League heavyweights.
According to the former Nigeria international, the pressure surrounding Manchester United could make life difficult for any player.
“I’m not saying Manchester United because the wahala there is too much. The pressure on strikers — we’ve seen it with Lukaku and so many other strikers. They will always find a scapegoat because the club is so big”, Osaze added.
The former West Bromwich Albion forward also went on to praise Osimhen’s mentality and goalscoring ability, while backing him to reach the top level of European football.
“He doesn’t lack motivation. He is a goal scorer and is in a great shape and physically strong.
“At some point, there will be a decline, but in his prime, he should hopefully get to where he wants and not where we want”, Osaze concluded.
For now, Osimhen’s focus will be on finishing the season strongly with Galatasaray. Although the club are reluctant to sell their star forward, the situation could still change once the summer transfer window opens.
