Jose Peseiro backs Victor Osimhen to shine anywhere
Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro has voiced his belief that Victor Osimhen would thrive at Barcelona or any other club if he opts to depart Napoli at the end of the season.
Osimhen, currently one of Africa’s standout strikers, is widely expected to seek a new club in the summer transfer window, with English clubs Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle among the frontrunners for his signature.
Additionally, Paris Saint Germain are also eyeing him as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
While financial considerations have often excluded Barcelona from discussions regarding Osimhen’s potential destination, Peseiro has dismissed concerns about the striker’s suitability for the Catalan club’s style of play.
Contrary to doubts about Osimhen’s ability to adapt to Barcelona’s system, Peseiro believes the Nigerian forward possesses the attributes to excel at the highest level, including at Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Drawing parallels with Erling Haaland’s successful adaptation at Manchester City, Peseiro emphasized Osimhen’s pressing ability, aerial prowess, and goal-scoring instincts as qualities that would enhance Barcelona’s squad.
“I think he can play for any team in the world,” Peseiro stated in an interview with Spanish publication, Sport. “He is an animal when it comes to pressing, very good with his head, in the area, and with his eye, which he also associates.”
“I’m not going to say one to avoid speculation.
“Of course, he doesn’t associate like other Barça players, but City also looked for associative football and went for Haaland.
“Aren’t City winning? Isn’t Erling scoring goals? Osimhen is a player to play for Barça, Madrid, or another.
“Other associative players do not have his vertical movements, his aerial ability, or his pressure. He can play on the best team in the world.”
Peseiro’s endorsement comes following Osimhen’s instrumental role in Nigeria’s impressive runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the forward spearheaded the Super Eagles’ attacking line.
