Former PSG ace Austin Okocha reveals why Napoli star Victor Osimhen should have accepted Saudi Arabia’s mega offer

Posted : 15 October 2023

Former PSG midfielder Austin Jay Jay Okocha has expressed his disappointment regarding Victor Osimhen's decision to decline a substantial offer from the Saudi Pro League.

After an outstanding third season in the Italian Serie A, Osimhen garnered attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

The Super Eagles striker scored 31 goals in all competitions as Napoli clinched the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years and reached the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

Osimhen was subsequently linked to some of the continent's wealthiest clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, all keen on acquiring him.

However, despite PSG offering €100 million for Osimhen, Napoli declined to allow his departure, emphasizing that there would be no negotiation unless their €200 million valuation of the player was met.

Out of the blue, Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal presented an exorbitant offer to Napoli, aiming to make Osimhen the highest-paid African footballer in history.

While many Nigerians, including his family members as reported, encouraged Osimhen to accept the offer and leave Napoli, the 24-year-old chose to stay in Naples.

Nevertheless, Okocha has conveyed his dissatisfaction with seeing his younger compatriot turn down Al-Hilal's offer.

While acknowledging that the decision is Osimhen's to make, Okocha swiftly pointed out the financial advantages the Napoli striker could have enjoyed in Saudi Arabia.

"To me, it doesn't make sense, but it's his decision. If I were given such an offer, I would accept it without hesitation," Okocha stated, according to the New Telegraph.

"As an African, you can amass trophies, but if you can't provide for yourself, no one will value the accolades you've earned.

"Unfortunately, in Nigeria, you have to act as your own government, ensuring you can provide for all your needs; otherwise, you'll become a burden."

Despite encountering some avoidable controversies in Naples early in the season, Osimhen has managed to score six goals in eight Serie A games.

Former PSG ace Austin Okocha reveals why Napoli star Victor Osimhen should have accepted Saudi Arabia’s mega offer

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