Former AC Milan and Nigerian national senior team (Super Eagles) left-back Taye Ismaila Taiwo has highlighted a list of high-profile transfers Nigerian players should consider in the upcoming January winter transfer window.
In an exclusive interview with The Nerve Africa, the 39-year-old, who also played for French giants Olympique de Marseille, suggested that compatriots Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Gabriel Osho, and Ola Aina carefully evaluate their futures ahead of the transfer window.
Victor Osimhen
Taiwo has urged Osimhen to leave Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray SK, where he is currently on a season-long loan from Italian side Napoli. With Galatasaray, Osimhen has scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 15 games so far.
“Victor has rediscovered his best football and is in the right frame of mind to leave and return to the top leagues. A number of teams are looking to reinforce their striking departments, and he should be high on their lists. At the moment, the market is more favorable than in the summer, and Napoli is willing to sell. If Manchester United, Chelsea, or Arsenal came calling, he should pick up the phone,” Taiwo told The Nerve Africa.
Related article: The Most Expensive Striker: Salary and Market Value Profile of Victor Osimhen
Ademola Lookman
Taiwo believes the January window is an opportune moment for Atalanta to capitalize on Lookman’s current form. The player, recently crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, has one-and-a-half seasons left on his contract and could command a higher fee now than in the summer.
“It’s tricky for Lookman and Atalanta at the moment because the club is in a very strong position to win the Italian Serie A title. They definitely wouldn’t want to lose their best player. On the other hand, if they want to maximize profits, now is the ideal time. He’s one of the hottest properties in Europe, and several teams would scramble for his signature.”
Related article: Lookman’s Stellar Performance at Atalanta: Salary, Transfer Value, and Prospects
Gabriel Osho
Taiwo has encouraged French side Auxerre to consider selling Osho if they want to make a profit on the Super Eagles defender. However, he also emphasized that Osho should only move to a bigger club.
“Look, if a better deal comes along, it’s a win for both Osho and Auxerre. He’s an incredibly talented defender, and I feel he’s massively underrated. He shouldn’t think twice if the opportunity arises, and it’s a straightforward decision.”
Ola Aina
Taiwo, who earned 54 caps for the Super Eagles, has advised Aina to make a January move if Nottingham Forest wants to secure a transfer fee, rather than letting him leave as a free agent in the summer.
“Nottingham Forest can’t afford to let Aina leave for free in June, so now is the time to act. Unless they offer him a new contract, he should be in talks with potential suitors. In my opinion, he’s one of the best right-backs in the league, so finding a new home shouldn’t be an issue.”
Related article: Ola Aina’s Future in England: Salary and Prospects with Nottingham Forest F.C.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Currently on a season-long loan at Italian Serie A side Lazio from Turkish club Hatayspor, Dele-Bashiru has been urged by Taiwo to consider a permanent move to Lazio, as it offers a bigger platform to showcase his talent.
“If I were in Dele’s shoes, I would sign for Lazio because the stage is bigger,” Taiwo said. “He has performed well since joining, with five goal involvements in 13 matches as a midfielder. That’s a strong audition. I believe a permanent move would be good business for Dele-Bashiru, Lazio, and Hatayspor.”
Related article: Tom Dele-Bashiru’s Salary at Watford F.C.: A Career-Defining Contract Amid Challenges
