Former PSG player Bonaventure Kalou has issued a cautionary note to Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen, who is being pursued by Paris Saint-Germain.
Victor Osimhen, after four successful seasons in Serie A, where he recently led Napoli to their first championship in 33 years, might be nearing the end of his tenure with the club.
The Nigerian international, who boasts 35 caps and 21 goals for his national team, has attracted significant interest from Ligue 1, particularly from PSG.
The Parisian club is on the hunt for a world-class striker to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid.
Despite his extended contract with Napoli until 2026, Osimhen’s impressive stint at Lille during the 2019-2020 season has left a lasting impression on Ligue 1, making him a prime target for PSG.
However, there are lingering questions about whether he can shoulder the responsibility and become the X factor that PSG needs to finally clinch the Champions League title.
In an exclusive interview with Afrik-Foot, Bonaventure Kalou, who played for PSG from 2005 to 2007, shared his insights and concerns. While expressing optimism, Kalou also urged caution.
“I always take the example of Chelsea; they invested a lot for years but ended up winning the Champions League the year they least expected it with Di Matteo.
PSG fans just have to be patient. It’s traumatic for PSG fans to always fail by one or two steps. We mustn’t get discouraged,” he noted.
Kalou, a finalist in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, further elaborated on the challenges Osimhen might face.
“To get back to Victor Osimhen, I don’t know if he’s the striker who will make PSG win the Champions League. In Paris, the public is very demanding, very impatient at times.
He’s a player who needs the team to play well so that he can give his all. Ligue 1 is a physical championship, with strong defenders, which he knows from having played at Lille.
It won’t be easy for him, but he’s a striker who has experience. He could get through it.
He’ll just have to pile up the goals at the beginning to get everyone on board because the environment of the club in the French capital is very complicated.
Okocha can tell him more,” Kalou warned.
Kalou’s words underscore the complexity and high expectations associated with playing for PSG. The pressure is immense, and the environment can be challenging for even the most seasoned players.
His advice serves as a reminder that while Osimhen has the potential, adapting to the demanding Parisian football culture and the expectations of PSG fans will require resilience and consistent performance.
Osimhen’s potential move to PSG comes at a time when the club is determined to find the missing piece in their quest for European glory.
His experience in Ligue 1 and his proven track record in Serie A position him as a promising candidate.
However, as Kalou points out, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges that will test Osimhen’s mettle both on and off the pitch.
Victor Osimhen’s debut goal in the French Ligue 1 against Nantes. 🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/YHRxcThPL7— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) July 28, 2024
