Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has defended his stance on advising Victor Osimhen to consider a move to Saudi Arabia amidst dwindling European interest.
Osimhen, widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier strikers, has been unable to secure a departure from Napoli as the transfer window nears its close. The Nigerian international has made his desire to leave clear by submitting a transfer request, while Napoli is actively pursuing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.
Despite attracting interest from top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, Napoli’s high asking price has deterred most suitors. Chelsea remains the only club still in the running.
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While offers from Saudi Arabian clubs have not been undisclosed, Osimhen recently rejected a lucrative move to Al Ahli. His agent, Roberto Calenda, maintained that Osimhen still has unfinished business in Europe.
Ideye, whose career spanned stints in France with Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Brom, Olympiacos, and Tianjin Teda during China’s football boom, attributed Osimhen’s agent to the stalled Saudi Arabian move.
“If I’m him (Osimhen), I would go to Saudi, play 2 years then go back to Europe he’s still young. Some players are doing that, I don’t know why hIs agent doesn’t allow him to take a pay cut and play in his dream club Chelsea, I think is more than we read online.
“I wish him all the best because I know how he’s feeling right now. the same thing happened to me at West Brom with Tony Pulis, I had no option than to sign for Olympiacos with a pay cut.”
While a couple of fans attacked him for his stand, he reiterated that football is a short career and the more money one can make during their career, the better for them after they must have hung their boots.
“I had no plans to go to China, Olympiacos received an offer from TEDA which they couldn’t refuse, my agent negotiated with TEDA about my salary and bonuses. When I saw the long numbers and told my wife na she pack my luggage for me to leave the next day LOL…
“What I’m saying in large is every player wishes to play in one of the big clubs in Europe and win trophies, but the goal is after football you want to be comfortable and the only way that can happen is by making good money why playing.
“What I’m saying in large is every player wishes to play in one of the big clubs in Europe and win trophies, but the goal is after football you want to be comfortable and the only way that can happen is making good money why playing.”
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