Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro has revealed that Victor Osimhen considered leaving 2022/2023 season Serie A champions Napoli for Saudi Arabia.
Peseiro made this known to Italian media outlet, La Gazzette dello Sport in an interview on Wednesday.
“Osimhen initially thought about leaving, but then he decided to stay and do his best in Naples. And I’m happy to see him still competing for big goals in Europe,” the manager disclosed.
He added: “I feared he might arrive sad for Nigeria but instead I found him unleashed; he worked and showed beautiful things. He played fantastic matches, scoring 3 goals. He ended the qualifiers with 10 goals, best scorer.
“Now let’s hope he helps us win the Africa Cup of Nations. He was the usual Victor, happy and smiling; it’s a benefit for everyone. But Victor is very happy in Naples. For his growth path, staying in Europe and showing off in the Champions League remains the best path.”
“He is young and has time to demonstrate his talent. Then I understand that when faced with certain offers, one can falter; two seasons in Arabia are worth more than ten in Europe, but money isn’t everything. Victor improved a lot in Italy,” Peseiro concluded.
Osimhen was linked to Saudi Arabia and some other clubs in Europe during the 2023 summer transfer window but a switch did not come to fruition for the former Lille striker, hence he stayed with Napoli.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian international has registered 3 goals in 4 appearances for Rudi Garcia’s side in the ongoing Serie A campaign.
