Victor Osimhen will be one of the most sought-after players in the summer, with several clubs currently in the market for an established goalscorer.
The Nigeria international has been linked with almost every elite club in Europe, while the Saudi Arabian league has also been mooted as a potential destination.
At 25, it is hard to see Osimhen moving out of Europe, especially with the world at his feet at the moment. The former Wolfsburg player enjoyed his most productive spell as a forward last season, when he helped Napoli end their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.
Osimhen impressively scored 26 goals and was arguably Napoli’s most influential player when they were crowned champions. Although his numbers have dipped a bit this term – due to a combination of injuries and the club’s poor form – the 25-year-old has still managed 15 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology next season
Osimhen’s current market value is said to be pegged at around €120 million by Napoli, with only a few clubs able to afford such a high fee. Although he has been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Arsenal are also reported to hold a keen interest.
The Premier League is certainly an attractive destination for any player looking to make his name on the big stage but its new regulation could be an Achilles heel to Osimhen’s style of play. The Napoli striker is versatile, strong and fast, but struggles to time his runs, which has translated into a dreadful offside record.
Last week, Premier League clubs unanimously voted for a semi-automated offside technology to be introduced next season. The system has been tried and tested in some major competitions, and is currently being used in the UEFA Champions League, Serie A and the FIFA World Cup.
The semi-automated offside technology would ensure close offside calls are decided within the shortest possible time and reduce the margin of error in light of several high-profile mistakes this season. It also takes offside decisions from the hands of officials and leaves it to technology.
“The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks,” a statement from the Premier League said.
“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”
Osimhen’s alarming offside record could put Premier League clubs off
The Premier League’s adoption of semi-automated offside technology next season means clubs in the English top-flight will likely be looking to sign forwards who aren’t frequently caught offside.
The problem, though, is that Osimhen doesn’t tick that box. Although the Nigeria international guarantees goals, he rarely beats offside traps set by the opposition. To this end, he has an alarming offside record that could put off any potential suitors from the Premier League.
Osimhen was caught offside 32 times last season, more than any other player in the Serie A. He also leads the Italian top-flight for offsides this term (31) and is on course to surpass last season’s tally. For a player who scores so many goals, this wouldn’t ordinarily be an issue but the Premier League’s new regulation effectively means the striker won’t be getting away with such infractions, no matter how marginal.
Osimhen is still developing and although he’s currently among the best strikers in the world, he can still improve some areas of his game. It remains to be seen whether any Premier League club will be willing to take that chance, considering his alarming offside record.
