Former Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi during an interview with Footy-Africa has said he would prefer to see Victor Osimhen move to the Premier League rather than return to Serie A, amid renewed speculation over the striker’s future.
Osimhen left Napoli for Galatasaray after three productive seasons in Italy, following a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
Speaking ahead of Galatasaray’s Champions League meeting with Juventus, the Nigeria international revealed that the Turin side had previously attempted to sign him before his move to Turkey, but Napoli refused to sell to a direct rival.
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Onazi, who played in Serie A with Lazio, believes a move to England would offer the 25-year-old broader opportunities, although he acknowledges the appeal of Italy’s biggest clubs.
“That would be a very good one for him, because there are characteristics of a club in Italy that are good choices to make,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa. “So, if Victor goes to clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, AS Roma, those are clubs I would appreciate him to go to, because those are people who value the player who they have, and without any much problems. Although, you never can tell in the future what is going to happen.”
“So, but for me, I would love to see Victor in an English club because that is where he can explore very good and that is more… he will have more broad chances, you know? And that’s one of the best leagues in the world, you know? So, I would love to see him there.”
Reports in Italy have suggested that Osimhen’s recent comments could reopen the possibility of a Serie A return. However, Napoli are understood to have inserted a clause in his exit agreement preventing him from joining another Italian club within a year of leaving Naples.
“But if Juventus comes for him and the conditions are okay, I just want to be sure that he has a very good condition, everything, all of his conditions are met, so he can be able to confidently play without any problems.
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So, for me, that would be amazing for him to play in Juventus. Juventus too is an amazing club for him to play too, but for me, England, is where I want to see. That’s where his talent belongs,” Onazi concluded.
Osimhen has scored 17 goals and provided six assists in 25 appearances in all competitions for Galatasaray this season.
