Okpara backs Osimhen PSG move

Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has thrown his weight behind Victor Osimhen’s proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain, saying the Nigerian striker would thrive at the French club and help them continue their dominance in European football, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen has been one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe this summer after a prolific season with Galatasaray, where he scored 22 goals and provided six assists across all competitions to help the Turkish club win the Super Lig.

Across two seasons at Rams Park, he has registered 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances.

PSG, who have now won back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, have been linked with the 27-year-old as they look to add a natural striker to their ranks. Okpara, who played for PSG during his career, believes the move makes sense for both parties.

“It will make them stronger. For him, going to PSG, he knows he has played in the French league and knows how everything goes,” Okpara told Footy Africa.

“It is a wonderful team for him, and it is a team that wants to win everything. It is a winning team.”

Okpara also pointed to Osimhen’s previous spell in France — where he scored 18 goals and provided five assists in a single season with Lille — as evidence that he can adapt and excel in Paris.

“I know next year they will be planning to win the Champions League again. So I think, why not? PSG might be in that shoe too. So for him, going to PSG, it will be a very good thing for Osimhen and for Nigeria as a whole,” the 53-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have also entered the race for Osimhen’s signature. According to Fichajes, the Spanish club have already held initial talks over a potential move, with the Nigerian reportedly open to a switch to La Liga.

Atletico’s interest has been driven by uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Barcelona had previously shown interest in the Argentine but cooled their pursuit due to his €100m valuation.

Galatasaray are demanding at least €100m for Osimhen, and Atletico are believed to be willing to meet that figure should Alvarez depart. A move to Madrid would also reunite Osimhen with Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman, who joined the club in January.

However, sources close to Osimhen have indicated that he will only leave Galatasaray if the club decide to sell, having recently played down talk of a departure. He has also attracted interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Should PSG win the race, Osimhen could lead the line for the French champions in the UEFA Super Cup final against Aston Villa on August 12.