Peter Crouch, former Liverpool and England striker, has revealed his mind for Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor James Osimhen, urging the Nigerian to continue his career in Europe.
The former LOSC Lille striker was one of the most sought-after players during the summer transfer window, but his release clause scared clubs from spending such a hefty fee on Osimhen, and he ended up in Galatasaray on loan.
In eight games for the Turkïye side, Osimhen has scored six goals and provided four assists. Following his brilliant display in the UEFA Europa League against Tottenham Hotspur, the Napoli loanee drew praise from Peter Crouch, with Joe Cole and Eni Aluko present.
“I love watching him play. He’s like, so strong, powerful and fantastic in the air. He’s got good touch, he can play.
This is obviously a stop gap, I think Galatasaray is just a means for him to wind his contract down a bit, maybe reduce his transfer fee if you’d like, but his next move is crucial.
If he’ll come to the Premier League, I don’t know, but I think he can go to most clubs in the world football. I just hope he doesn’t end up in Saudi which has obviously been mentioned because we’d love to see him playing in Europe playing football,” the one-time FA Cup winner said on punditry duties with TNT Sports.
Chelsea and Arsenal have been rumoured to have rekindled their interest in Osimhen, but Galatasaray are also keen on retaining the Nigerian permanently when his loan spell elapses.
Meanwhile, Turkish football journalist Kaan Bayazit has advised Galatasaray against signing Osimhen permanently despite his impressive performances.
Bayazit believes it could be a financial nightmare for Galatasaray if they decide to go on with the deal.
“If I was an accountant I would say, ‘don’t do it’,” Bayazit told the BBC.
“Napoli will want 50m euros bare minimum. Galatasaray’s record signing is midfielder Gabriel Sara from Norwich last summer for 18m euros.
“Galatasaray have Mauro Icardi, so they should spend that money on a different position to centre forward.
“Fans were very critical before Osimhen happened as there was no star winger. They are now happy, but as a puzzle piece fitting in, it doesn’t make sense,” he stated.
