'My advice to Osimhen: Go to Saudi Arabia and make money for 2 years' - Ighalo urges Super Eagles star

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has offered pragmatic advice to his close friend and Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, amid ongoing speculation about the 26-year-old’s unsettled club future. 

Ighalo encourages Osimhen to prioritise financial security by moving to the Saudi Pro League for a couple of years before considering a return to Europe.

In a video shared on X, Ighalo stated: “We all have opinions, but sometimes that doesn’t matter. Your opinion may not, mine may not. But here is my own opinion, even if you crucify me for it, I don’t care.” 

He then urged Osimhen, who recently described Ighalo as someone he holds in the highest esteem, to seize the lucrative opportunity Saudi Arabia offers.

Ighalo highlighted Osimhen’s impressive achievements - leading scorer for Napoli, winning Serie A, shining at Galatasaray, and being crowned African Footballer of the Year. 

“My advice is for him to go to Saudi Arabia, play for two years, make money, and then come back to Europe,” he added.

Osimhen’s future remains a hot topic after a turbulent two years marked by a fractured relationship with Napoli. 

Despite his remarkable form during a loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and won the league, a permanent transfer remains stuck in negotiations. 

Galatasaray have reportedly offered €40 million upfront plus instalments, but Napoli continue to demand payment terms and clauses that the Turkish club rejects.

Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal reportedly made big financial offers, with Osimhen turning down a €160 million bid to go back to Galatasaray instead. 

Premier League interest exists too, with Chelsea, Arsenal Liverpool, and Manchester United linked, but Osimhen has so far snubbed moves to England in favour of staying in Istanbul.

Amid the stalled talks, Ighalo’s counsel reflects the increasingly common trend of African stars taking advantage of the Saudi league’s financial pull. 

Whether this will harm Osimhen’s football legacy or smartly secure his future remains a topic of debate among fans and pundits.