Former Nigerian international Taye Taiwo has advised Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to consider leaving their current clubs, Galatasaray and Atalanta, respectively, for top European teams during the January transfer window.
Taiwo played in France (Marseille), Italy (AC Milan), England (QPR), Ukraine (Dynamo Kiev), Turkey (Bursaspor), Sweden (AFC Eskilstuna) and Finland (HJK Helsinki & RoPS).
Osimhen’s Form in Turkey
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in sensational form, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 15 appearances for the Turkish champions. After missing out on a Premier League move in the summer, the striker has regained his best form and expressed a desire to stay in Turkey to help secure trophies this season.
🇳🇬 Happy birthday, 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗼!
With more than 𝟮𝟱𝟬 matches as an Olympien, today we celebrate the man with the fiercest free kick in the game💙
🦅 @thenff x @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/6SGIaiamhg
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) April 16, 2021
However, Taiwo believes Osimhen should activate a release clause in his loan deal, opening the door for a potential transfer to clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, or Paris Saint-Germain.
“Victor is back to his best and is ready to return to the big leagues,” Taiwo told Africa Foot. “If Manchester United, Chelsea, or Arsenal approach him, he should seize the opportunity. The market is more favourable now, and Napoli are willing to sell.”
Lookman’s Rising Stock
Ademola Lookman, another standout Super Eagles player, has also been linked to a move. The Atalanta forward, who narrowly missed joining PSG last summer, has been instrumental in Atalanta’s Serie A title challenge and was recently crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year.
Taiwo believes Lookman’s rising profile and expiring contract make this an opportune time for Atalanta to cash in.
“The situation is delicate for Lookman and Atalanta, as the club are in a good position to win Serie A,” Taiwo said. “However, from a financial perspective, the timing is perfect. Many clubs would do anything to sign him.”
Transfer Market Heating Up
With both players performing at a high level, they remain prime targets for Europe’s elite clubs. Taiwo’s comments come as January approaches, with transfer speculation intensifying and suitors closely monitoring the situations of Osimhen and Lookman.
