Why Newcastle United should plot a move for Victor Osimhen
As per Defensa central via HITC (h/t The Shields Gazette), Newcastle United are interested in signing Victor Osimhen along with Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Osimhen, 21, came through the youth ranks of Ultra Striker Academy in Nigeria and moved to Bundesliga with Wolfsburg in 2017. His time in Germany was marred by limited game time and injuries, and was eventually sent on loan to RSC Charleroi where he scored 12 goals in 25 Jupiler Pro League games.
He was signed by French outfit Lille last summer and has become one of the regular starters in the side, contributing with 18 goals and 6 assists in 38 games across all competitions. And his impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with several clubs behind him.
Meanwhile, Steve Bruce’s side have endured a mixed season and after staying in the top half of the Premier League table until December, they are currently placed 13th. They have faced problems up front and at the back equally.
In the midfield, Bruce brought in Valentino Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb on loan in January despite having enough midfielders. However, he should prioritize strengthening the attacking unit, which has failed throughout the campaign.
Four centre-forwards – Joelinton, Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto have combined to a total of just 1 goal in the league. And this is the reason why the Magpies have scored just 25 goals.
Therefore, the manager should look to add firepower to the attack and increase the number of goals scored next season. In that case, Victor Osimhen would be a valuable option for the club.
The 21-year-old is Lille’s top scorer in the league with 13 goals, which is impressive for a player in his first season in the French league. He has improved a lot this term and has been banging in the goals at a decent rate.
Predominantly a centre-forward, the Nigerian is capable of operating on either flank and this could be helpful to the manager. His presence can also bring healthy competition within the team and could be a good sign of improvement among the players.
The Nigerian has taken the French league by storm despite his tender age and has all the abilities to succeed at a higher level, given he is under proper management. He could be the difference in the team if he is able to replicate the same form for the Toons.
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Verdict
With Carrol and Gayle’s contract coming to an end soon and Joelinton’s poor record in front of goal, the Magpies are in dire need of strikers to bolster their attack. Their goalscoring tally can increase only if they bring in in-form strikers.
Hence, Newcastle United should make a move for Osimhen in the summer and he could go on to represent them in the long run as he is just 21 and has a lot to offer.
