As Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen prepares for a permanent exit from Napoli this summer, former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has weighed in on what he believes is the smartest move for the African Footballer of the Year — and his advice may surprise many.
In a candid interview on the Echo Room Podcast, Ighalo advised Osimhen to take the money and move to Saudi Arabia, despite strong interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray and European clubs. According to him, Osimhen has nothing left to prove in Europe and should cash in on his success while he can.
“Victor Osimhen won the Italian Serie A title with Napoli, took the Golden Boot, went to Turkey, won the league, and again clinched the Golden Boot with Galatasaray. He also won the African Footballer of the Year. My advice is: go to Saudi Arabia, play for two years, make your money, and then return to Europe,” Ighalo said bluntly.
Ighalo, who has spent the last few years in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab and Al-Wehda, didn’t mince words. While acknowledging that his stance might spark criticism, he insisted financial security should now be Osimhen’s priority.
“You may not agree with me, and that’s okay. But I’ve been there — I know the value of those contracts.”
Osimhen’s Transfer Saga
Victor Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli and scored 37 goals with 8 assists, is reportedly keen on staying with the Turkish champions. Galatasaray have offered him a tempting €16 million-per-year deal for three years, and he has given them the nod — but the deal remains stalled.
Sources close to the negotiations say Napoli are making the process unnecessarily difficult. From shifting goalposts on transfer terms to introducing new conditions, Napoli’s reluctance appears to be delaying Galatasaray’s final push.
One of the key stumbling blocks is Napoli’s demand for a new 20% sell-on clause and a bank guarantee — standard clauses which Galatasaray have yet to meet. Even more telling, Napoli have reportedly inserted a condition in the agreement to block any resale to Italian clubs, especially Juventus, within the next three years.
Al-Hilal’s Big Money Bid
Lurking in the shadows is Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal — the same club that tried to lure Osimhen last summer with a jaw-dropping €45 million-per-season offer, which the striker rejected.
However, Napoli appear to prefer that Osimhen takes the Al-Hilal deal, viewing it as more profitable and less risky, especially with Galatasaray refusing to agree to the resale block to Italian rivals.
PSG Returns to the Table
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly reignited their interest in the Nigerian star after their humiliating FIFA Club World Cup loss to Chelsea. PSG had previously agreed personal terms with Osimhen worth €14 million per year, but were unable to convince Napoli to release him.
With the Ligue 1 giants now desperate for firepower up front, insiders suggest they might return with an improved offer in the coming days — setting up a three-way transfer battle that includes Galatasaray, Al-Hilal, and PSG.
As the transfer window heats up and offers roll in from across Europe and the Middle East, the ball is now in Osimhen’s court. Will he chase legacy and stay in Europe, or follow Ighalo’s advice and cash in while he can?
For now, the Nigerian star remains silent — but one thing is clear: his next move could be the most defining of his career.
