Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has said that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen would have been a very good signing for the Magpies this season, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Newcastle United may have two recognised international strikers in Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, but Shearer pointed out that you can never have enough firepower up top.
Priorities were elsewhere this summer as Howe tweaked his squad to add further quality, but one player who the Magpies were linked with that still appears to be on the club’s radar is Napoli star Osimhen.
The 24-year-old has been touted as a potential Premier League player since the middle of last season after his goals shot Napoli top of Serie A, with Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea all linked as possible destinations for the Nigeria international.
Among the admirers of the striker is Premier League record holder, Alan Shearer, who has been speaking about his desire to see the player line-up at St James’ Park. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer was asked about whether he would like to see a marquee signing arrive at the club.
Micah Richards asked Shearer about Osimhen, with the Toon legend saying he would have liked to have seen his former club get the player this summer.
“Who would you like to see? When I was at Man City we signed Robinho who took us to the next level, who would you like to see? Osimhen maybe from Napoli?,” asked Richards.
Shearer replied saying, “Yes, they already have Wilson and Isak, but I do not think you can ever have too many up top, you can change and rotate, he would have been a very good signing yeah. They have done it differently than we thought, a more measured way rather than going out and buying that big name.”
Osimhen’s 26 goals in 32 Serie A games last season made him one of the hottest properties in Europe and has now earned him a spot on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, but the reported £180m asking fee from Napoli appeared to scare off any potential suitors.
Three goals in three games this season is unlikely to reduce demand, but unless a new contract is signed in Naples, Osimhen’s asking price is expected to drop as his contract is another year closer to expiring.
