Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has advised Napoli forward Victor Osimhen to take a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League before returning to Europe later in his career.
Ighalo, who once played for Manchester United, made this suggestion during an interview with Echo Room, pointing out that players should secure their financial future while they are still in top form.
“My advice to Victor Osimhen is to go to Saudi Arabia for two years to make money. Then he can come back to Europe,” Ighalo said.
Ighalo drew from his own experience, saying he moved to China in his late 20s, made good money, and still returned to play for a big club in Europe. “All odds were against me—I was 30. Victor is 26 now. In two years, he’ll be 28 and can still play in Europe for another five years,” he added.
Osimhen, who has scored 37 goals in 41 matches for Napoli, is currently one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. Recently, Galatasaray’s €75 million bid for him was rejected by Napoli, further adding to the uncertainty around his next move.
Ighalo’s suggestion comes amid a growing trend of top players choosing the Saudi Pro League for its high wages. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté have already made the switch, with more names possibly following.
While Osimhen’s future remains undecided, Ighalo’s message is clear: secure the bag now, and Europe can wait.
