With growing reports linking Victor Osimhen with a move to LaLiga giants Real Madrid, former Montpellier and Nigeria forward John Utaka has urged the player to consider a return to mainstream Europe.
In recent weeks, Osimhen has been in the headlines over a possible move away from newly crowned Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray.
Similarly, Galatasaray Vice President Erden Timur was asked by journalists about his decision if an offer was tabled for the €150 million-valued Striker.
While admitting the Club will do everything possible to keep the Nigerian forward, Timur revealed a deal was only possible if the Club’s hierarchy accented to it.
However, Utaka believes the situation ultimately depends on the player and both clubs reaching an agreement.
“It all depends on the player,” Utaka said on Brila Media’s Breakfast Show ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze.’
“This is a two-way conversation. I mean Osimhen needs to talk to the board, and then if the two parties agree, he might carry on. It all depends on if the player wants to leave or stay.
Why Snub Real Madrid?
“Personally, I will plead with the player to go,” Utaka stated emphatically.
“But you also have to look at the football side is he going to benefit you financially and trophy-wise?
“If where he is going gives him the opportunity to win trophies, then he should go.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about class. Class of 2012 is when I won the league with Montpellier, you remember trophies collectively more than individual trophies.
“Individual trophies are also remembered, but it’s more about titles and the players involved during those periods. We talk about the ’96 Olympics, they can never be forgotten.”
Also read: ‘You Can’t Stop Me’ – Victor Osimhen Leads Galatasaray to Successful Title Defence
“We are playing football at the end to make money, make our families happy, and to also make ourselves happy. Winning trophies, there is also history behind it.”
Utaka also strongly backed a possible move to Real Madrid if José Mourinho is appointed and he were to request Osimhen as part of his project, adding:
“100 percent, if I am Osimhen I will go. Because Mourinho has seen something in him that made him request for Osimhen in the first place.
“Osimhen, as we know, is someone that wants to win trophies at the end of the day. It will be a perfect move for him to go to Real Madrid if Mourinho signs and asks for him.
“It’s a good option because Osimhen can play anywhere. He played in Italy, France, Belgium, and now in Turkey so that shouldn’t be a problem.”
