Stoke City are eyeing a sensational swoop of former Watford striker, Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian is currently plying his trade at Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League. It was only last year that the Chinese side moved to secure his services from Watford in a deal worth to be around £20m with another £10m spent on his wages.
In 2015, the former Watford attacker played a huge role in his side’s promotion to the Premier League. The 28-year-old then went on to score 15 goals in his debut season in the top tier of English football. But his form dipped considerably in the following season as he managed to net just one goal in 17 matches, which led to his departure from the club. Since then, he has featured heavily in the Chinese Super League where he has made a total of 27 appearances, scoring 15 goals and making 7 assists.
Now fresh reports from Italy are emerging, which suggest that the Nigerian forward may make a surprising return to England, where his family have settled. Stoke City are one of the many clubs interested in securing his services along with West Ham, Everton and Southampton. He has also been linked with West Brom and Crystal Palace before but his financial demands put them off.
At the time, Odion Ighalo said, “It was only China that could give Watford what they wanted. I understand football is business, they sell and buy to make a profit. On a personal level, it is good money for me but if I had my way I would love to stay in the Premier League. I have my family here, the kids are in school here, they have their friends here and getting that stability is never easy when you keep moving your family. But what can we do? Life goes on.”
Stoke City has made a mediocre start to this season and the lack of an out-and-out finisher has hurt their chances going forward. Odion Ighalo can be an ideal addition to their forward line with Saido Berahino turning out to be a bust at the bet365 Stadium.
With Xherdan Shaqiri’s creativity, Mame Diouf’s pace and Odion Ighalo’s finishing; the Potters’ fans will be in for a treat every week.
But any possible deal will rest on whether the striker agrees to take a pay cut as it’s hard to see Stoke City match his current wage demands. The striker who has already gained playing experience in Norway, Italy and Spain is also busy setting up his own orphanage, the Ighalo Orphanage Home – in Nigeria. It is all set to open its doors next month.
