John Obi Mikel, a former captain of the Super Eagles, has advised his countryman Victor Osimhen to leave Napoli if he wants to continue developing as a footballer.
During an episode of The Obi One podcast, the 36-year-old claimed that Osimhen should leave the Naples-based club this summer if he wants to compete with Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland.
I see more opportunities for him elsewhere, and I advise he relocate in the summer rather than the winter. He’s done everything he can for Napoli and should move on to bigger and better things, which he will be able to do if he joins the Premier League.
I feel like he needs some extra time to get polished. Last season, he’s been close, and he’s coming in at the top striker level. In a few years, he’ll be in direct opposition to Haaland.
Erling Haaland finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting this season; it’s clear that he’s the best striker on the team, but Victor isn’t too far behind.
According to jerrymusa.com Mikel told the 24-year-old during the interview that he is required at the West London club and that he is similar to Didier Drogba, an icon for both the Ivory Coast and Chelsea.
A comparison to Didier Drogba rather than Emmanuel Adebayor was made. He’s got the ego and charisma to match Didier’s; you can sense his presence in the locker room whenever he enters.
“I just know that you’re going to be a Chelsea player next year. I can assure you that I will be the intermediary in that transaction.”
“I will personally guarantee that outcome. Since Drogba left the club, we’ve been desperate for a player of your calibre.”
The current Napoli contract for Osimhen expires in 2025.