Who is Victor Osimhen and why he could be the perfect fit for Newcastle United
- Sam Geen
- 10 June 2022
Victor Osimhen is on the radar of several of Europe's biggest clubs this summer, including Newcastle, but who is he? Planet Sport takes a deeper look into the prolific Nigerian striker.
Osimhen was born in Lagos, Nigeria and like many notable footballers from the country, he came from a poor background.
The highly rated striker grew up alongside five siblings in Olusosun, a community which boasts one of the largest dumpsites in Africa.
He hustled as a child, working on the streets in order to raise funds for his education and family survival.
His football career started at the Ultimate Strikers Academy, based in his hometown.
He came to prominence at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, with German side VfL Wolfsburg offering him a contract on the back of the tournament.
Who does he currently play for?
Osimhen plays for Italian side Napoli, where he has amassed 85 goal contributions in 152 appearances.
His impressive ratio has caught the eye of several of Europe's biggest clubs.
What type of player is he?
The 23-year-old has similar traits to his childhood hero, Didier Drogba. The power of Drogba can be seen in Osimhen's game and he possesses a natural ability to find the back of the net which is backed up by his prolific record.
Last season with Napoli saw him contribute 19 goals in 27 appearances, his best numbers to date. Give him a yard in the box and he'll find the net.
What have pundits said about him?
Italian football pundit Enrico Fedele believes Osimhen is destined for the top if he is allowed to develop in the right hands.
"We are talking about an athlete lent to football," said Fedele. "The Napoli striker has great physical qualities, but with a technique to be completely refined. I am convinced that if he improves, he can become one of the best strikers in the world."
What has Osimhen said?
Oshimen's first season in Italy saw him hampered by injury, suspensions and coronavirus-related problems. However, he still managed 10 goals and three assists before surpassing that tally the following campaign. And he has full confidence in himself to keep on improving.
"I believe without these early setbacks, I can actually do more," he said. "And I challenge myself into doing more than I have done in the previous seasons.
"Of course, I did it in Belgium. I did it in Lille. Of course, I will always do it anywhere I go."
Where is he going?
A host of Europe's leading clubs have been linked with the Napoli striker, including Premier League trio Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle.
The price tag set by Napoli looks to have deterred clubs though, with the Serie A side eager for at least €100million for their talisman.
Talks of a move away from Naples have quietened down as a result. However, with the Magpies' pursuit of Hugo Ekitike having suffered a setback after the Reims striker picked up a hamstring injury on international duty, the north-east club could once again turn their gaze Osimhen's way.
