Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has called on Czech club Viktoria Plzen to reconsider their stance in negotiations with Lazio over the transfer of young striker Rafiu Adekunle Durosinmi, emphasizing that the move represents a unique career opportunity.
Over a week ago, Lazio formally approached Viktoria Plzen to initiate discussions, but progress has since stalled. The impasse has led to frustration within the player’s camp and the Italian club, with negotiations failing to advance.
At 21, Durosinmi is nearing the final year of his contract, which expires at the end of the season. However, Viktoria Plzen is demanding a transfer fee of €4 million—€1 million more than Lazio’s offer—leading to a deadlock in talks.
In an exclusive interview with Africafoot on Wednesday, Ikpeba, who has previously played for renowned clubs such as Monaco and Borussia Dortmund, urged Viktoria Plzen to adopt a more flexible approach to avoid hindering the young forward’s ambitions.
“We must respect Viktoria Plzen’s stance since he is their player, but I believe they should show some flexibility for the sake of his career. Situations like this can be difficult for a young player, as they might feel let down by their club,” Ikpeba stated.
“It’s not every day that a club like Lazio expresses interest. For a player, this is a dream move. I believe he should not be denied this unique opportunity. He is an exceptional talent who, if given the chance at Lazio, could develop into a top player.”
This season, Durosinmi has featured in 10 matches for Viktoria Plzen across the Czech League, Europa League, and Czech Cup. The promising forward has scored five goals and registered one assist, showcasing his potential on multiple fronts.
As negotiations continue, it remains uncertain whether Viktoria Plzen will adjust their demands or if Lazio will be forced to look elsewhere in the transfer market. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next step in Durosinmi’s career.
