Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has advised Victor Osimhen to reject a move to Saudi Arabia, urging him instead to join a top European club this summer.
Speaking to Metro, Mikel said Osimhen, 26, still has plenty to offer at the highest level. “I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe. It would be a shame to see him go there,” he said.
Osimhen is set to return to Napoli after a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in 41 games. However, tensions with Napoli remain, and Al-Hilal are among the clubs keen to secure his signature. Galatasaray also want him back permanently.
Mikel, who had hoped to see Osimhen join his former club Chelsea, noted that the Blues have moved in a different direction with the signing of Liam Delap.
“It’s a shame he didn’t come to Chelsea, the club he supported as a kid,” Mikel said. He now sees Arsenal and Manchester United as more realistic options.
“I think the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United still need a striker. I don’t think [Rasmus] Hojlund is the guy for Manchester United,” Mikel stated. “So for me, Manchester United might be the destination.”
Despite United missing out on European football next season, Mikel believes Osimhen might still consider a move to Old Trafford. “Maybe he would say, ‘I will give it a season’… It is something Victor might consider,” he added.
Mikel revealed he’s spoken to Osimhen and confirmed the forward is still targeting a move to a top European league. “I hope there is still a Premier League move for him this summer… He is working to make sure he ends up at a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.”
