From Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United, it has been a remarkable journey by Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian forward, who was brought on loan by the Red Devils from China on the last day of the January transfer window, has impressed many with his performances, so much so that Ole Gunnar Solskjær is even considering him as a long term option for his team.
Among all these, now there is a report from Sky, stating that even Newcastle United are also trying to rope in the player with all their newfound wealth. It further suggests that either of the clubs have to shell out £20 million for him, which may not be a difficulty for Newcastle if their proposed takeover goes through.
Ighalo’s journey thus far
Odion Ighalo has so far played in several leagues across the world plying his trade for multiple clubs. Starting in his home country, he moved to the Norwegian league. After that he was seen in Serie A playing for Udinese, from where he travelled to Granada, having a taste of the La Liga. The Nigerian striker then had his stint with English football having moved to Watford in 2014, a side that were then in the Championship.
In his debut season for the side, he guided them back to the Premier League having scored 20 goals in 35 matches. The 30-year-old then played two seasons in the Premier League with Watford, excelling in the 2015-16 campaign where he put the ball at the back of the net 15 times. China came calling, and the striker was shipped there in January 2017.
Why do Newcastle United need him?
To put into the words of John Barnes, “Marquee signings for Newcastle are not marquee signings. Ronaldo is not going there, Messi is not going there, Mbappe is not going there. If they are sold, I still don’t think that the best players in the world are going to go to Newcastle. They’re not marquee signings, they’re players that Newcastle probably couldn’t have got before the Saudi Arabians take over.”
He added, “Everyone wants to try and get better players. Better players don’t mean marquee signings, it’s just better players than what they have. They’ll spend more money, attract more players in terms of the salaries they’re going to pay, that’s the same as any club.”
Nobody could explain the situation better than Barnes did by these simple words. Newcastle may want the biggest of names this season after all their investment, but the fact remains that they would still not be attractive enough for the very best players.
Under these circumstances, Odion Ighalo could be one of the shrewdest piece of business for the Magpies with the Nigerian international not lacking in experience and form, as displayed in his stint with the Red Devils this season. He may not be a very long term solution for the team, but Ighalo certainly is an impact man. The gaffer could bank upon his wisdom and his capability to pull out a rabbit from the hat and deliver for his side.
