Tor-Kristian Karlsen, a former scout for Watford, has advised Erik ten Hag to make a move for Victor Osimhen if Harry Kane is not attainable. The transfer news and rumours scene is currently abuzz with news and speculation on the future of the Serie A Capocannoniere for the 2022/23 season, Osimhen.
Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have all been linked to the 24-year-old Super Eagles ace, who has two more years to go on his Napoli contract. He is currently being valued at €120 – €150 million by Napoli who are also looking to extend his contract.
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) June 9, 2023
Osimhen One of the Best Finishers in the World, Writes Karlsen
Karlsen was writing in his column for ESPN when he pointed out how the former LOSC Lille striker could make life easier for Erik ten Hag after his debut season. The Dutch manager, 53, played without a striker for most of the 2022/23 season. Marcus Rashford was often used in the role, but his activity was similar to that of a false nine or an inside forward who got into central areas.
Wout Weghorst joined on loan but the Dutch striker barely made any difference for the team and quickly drew the ire of fans. One thing was clear after the season: ten Hag needed a proper striker or a centre forward who could work in the centre of the attack. Harry Kane has been (and remains) a target of all the big Premier League clubs but Victor Osimhen became another thanks to his record-breaking performances last season.
The AFCON 2023 qualifiers fixtures top scorer had also let it be known that he is working to secure a move to the English top flight. That statement opened the doors for clubs to declare their interest and try to convince his agents about a move.
Victor Osimhen is the first African player in the 125-year history of the Italian top-flight to win the Serie A Golden Boot.
The Super Eagle is the Capocannoniere. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/vrWzGqjsHP
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 4, 2023
Man United were at the front of this movement earlier but their interest in him seems to have cooled. Karlsen, however, makes an argument that Osimhen's finishing is as good as Kane's and is needed at Old Trafford if ten Hag wants to succeed in his role.
“If they have over €100m to spend on a new striker and Kane slips out of their hands, the club should be frontrunners to land Osimhen, who was Napoli's top scorer (31 goals in 39 games across all competitions this season) as they lifted the Serie A title,” Karlsen wrote on ESPN.
Osimhen Worth More Than CIES Valuation – Asisat Oshoala
Karlsen believes Osimhen will fit Manchester United and thinks €100 million is not too much for the Red Devils to splash on the AFCON 2023 golden boot hopeful. Global football data collection organisation, CIES Observatory disagrees.
The organisation released a list of the world's most valuable footballers after the European league season came to an end and while Osimhen was Africa's most valuable, he was listed as the 44th most valuable player in football with a €77.3 million price tag.
Super Eagles and SSC Napoli Forward Victor Osimhen has been named the most valuable African footballer in the world. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/yovSp9wu5C
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) June 9, 2023
You will recall that Napoli paid €70 million to LOSC Lille in 2020 to sign Osimhen. Barcelona Femeni star and Nigeria Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala, has come out to call out the CIES valuation of Osimhen, with whom she enjoys a cordial relationship.
She replied with “JOKE” followed by a laughing emoji on the report posted on a Nigeria football news media Instagram account, showing her distaste for the valuation of the Super Eagles ace.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 months ago
