Osimhen and his moment of decision

Napoli's Victor Osimhen is attracting interest from top European clubs

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Napoli's Victor Osimhen is attracting interest from top European clubs

Osimhen and his moment of decision

Joba Ogunwale 22:10 - 15.05.2023

Osimhen is at crossroads in his career following a record-breaking season with Napoli in Italy’s top flight.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has reached another vital stage in his career where he has to make the right decision.

Since he broke out at the U-17 level, Osimhen has been tasked with making important decisions that would eventually shape his career. 

Osimhen- a man not afraid to make big decisions

The 24-year-old moved to Wolfsburg after the Golden Eaglets ruled the world in 2015. Although he had to overcome obstacles such as Malaria, which almost ended his career, Osimhen learnt a lot in Germany. 

Following his frustrating spell in Germany, Osimhen moved to Belgium, singing for Royal Charleroi. 

Osimhen's well-thought decision since his days at Wolfsburg is what brought him here
Victor Osimhen at Wolfsburg in 2017

His professional career fully kicked off in Belgian, scoring 20 goals for the side before moving to Lille

Osimhen reached another level in France, scoring 18 goals in his first and only year with Les Dogues. 

After that year, Osimhen had a decision to make as Napoli made a club-record bid for his services. 

The Nigerian striker’s development was going well at Lille, but Napoli were a level above the French club. 

Osimhen during his time at Lille
Victor Osimhen shone for Lille

He had to decide between Lille and Napoli but eventually chose the latter, although Lille left him with no choice.

Osimhen’s decision to join Napoli was met with doubts as many felt it was not the best place to continue his development. 

Also, the weight of the transfer fee put massive pressure on him. However, for someone who has been feeding off pressure even before he became a professional, his critics should have trusted him more. 

Victor Osimhen has cleared all doubts after joining Napoli from Lille
Victor Osimhen

While Osimhen did not really impress in his first year, considering the amount that was paid for him, he has taken his game to the next level, in the last two seasons, especially this year. 

The Nigerian striker spearheaded Napoli’s title triumph in Serie A this season, scoring 23 league goals and setting up another five. 

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He arrived with doubts surrounding his value, but he is now on the same pedestal as Diego Maradona after replicating the same feat the late Argentine did 33 years ago. 

It is another decision-making time for Osimhen

Osimhen’s face is now on every train in Naples, while his mural is on every building. However, while Osimhen is currently like a god in Naples, he has a decision to make on his future. 

Osimhen is now on Maradona's level in Naples
Victor Osimhen is celebrated as a hero of Napoli

Just like three years ago when he joined Napoli, Osimhen is being linked with a big-money move away from Naples. 

But this time, it is not just one club. Osimhen is attracting interest from almost every top club in Europe. 

Victor Osimhen is attracting interest from Europe's top clubs
Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Napoli

Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all been linked with a move for the Nigerian.

The current scenario leaves Osimhen with a decision to make, stay at Napoli or leave for a bigger club. 

In fairness, if Osimhen decides to stay at Napoli beyond this summer, it would be understandable. 

He is treated like a god and well-loved by the club fans. Also, there is this general feeling around the club that Osimhen owes Napoli at least one more season despite leading them to the Serie A title this season. 

However, the truth is there is no better time for Osimhen to leave Napoli than now. He is at the highest he has ever been in his career and is also currently one of the best strikers in the world. 

The 24-year-old could make history if he decides to leave Napoli this summer as he would command a fee above €100m should he decide to leave. 

Although Napoli are adamant that Osimhen is not for sale, the Neapolitans are known to be a selling club and will sell if they receive an offer they cannot refuse. 

Also, there is no guarantee that Osimhen will replicate the same form he showed this season next year, even though it is very unlikely. 

Nonetheless, it is decision time for Osimhen. Considering the calibre of clubs interested in him, Osimhen would be tempted at jumping ship as these clubs would not only take his profile to another level but also increase his chances of winning team trophies and individual honours. 

But on the flip side, he would be trading it for the heroic status and the love of the whole city he enjoys in Naples. 

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