Former Napoli director Luigi Pavarese is praying that newly-moneyed Premier League outfit Newcastle United do not come calling for Victor Osimhen, as he told Radio Marte.
There is a reason why that Saudi Arabian takeover, one that has propelled underperforming, underachieving Newcastle United into the heart of a rags to riches tale, is about as welcome as the proverbial fox in a henhouse as far as their domestic rivals are concerned.
These days, Newcastle have the financial might – if not the star power – to lure even the biggest of names to St James’ Park, although you get the feeling the Magpies will have to climb out of the relegation zone and into the upper echelons of the table before they can really start to throw their weight around in the transfer market.
Callum Wilson’s worrying injury record means a new centre-forward is likely to be high on PIF’s wishlist come 2022.
And Pavarese, Napoli’s one-time director of football, is praying that Osimhen does not find his way onto Newcastle’s radar after a prolific start to his second season at the Stadio San Paolo.
Could Newcastle be tempted to bid for Osimhen?
“It is he who begins to create the first headaches (for defenders). This is the great strength of this boy, who has found conviction in his methods and who will be talked about in the coming years,” said Pavarese before comparing the Nigeria international to a Tyneside cult hero, translated by Corriere dello Sport.
“Osimhen reminds me of a mix between (Antonio) Careca and (Tino) Asprilla.
“I hope Newcastle don’t come knocking on (president Aurelio) De Laurentiis’ door!”
Napoli’s £51 million record signing, Osimhen is starting to live up to lofty expectations after a difficult debut season disrupted by injuries and illness.
The Nigeria international, who’s been compared to Kylian Mbappe and also labelled a ‘new Drogba’, has scored eight goals in nine games for a Partenopei side who have won every one of their Serie A matches this season under Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti, interestingly enough, had been identified as Steve Bruce’s replacement by PIF back in 2020.
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