Besiktas join chase for Ighalo

January 16, 2021

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Turkish giants Besiktas are reportedly in talks to sign Odion Ighalo this month.

Ighalo’s loan at Manchester United is set to end on January 31 after a year at Old Trafford.

The Nigerian is waiting before making a decision on his next move and has revealed he would cherish an opportunity to play in the US.

“Negotiation with his (Ighalo’s) parent club Shanghai Shenhua, who holds the player’s contract, and the player’s representative are ongoing,” Turkish media outlet, Anadolu, stated on Friday.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old has not ruled out a return to the Super Eagles 18-months after he called it quits from international football.

“I think it was too soon,” Ighalo replied ESPN when asked if he felt his retirement from international football came too early.

“There was a lot of pressure from my team (Shanghai Shenhua) at that time because I was injured before the AFCON tournament.

“Thank God I won the top scorer award, even at that, the tournament did not end well for me because I got injured again.

“So with all these, I decided to quit the national team. I still have good communication with the coaches and when I do they keep telling me, ‘how can you be playing for Manchester United and you’re not in the Eagles?’

“I’m still thinking about a return but for now I want to concentrate on my club football. I miss the guys there and everything about the team.

“We’ll see how it goes in the future, maybe I’d play one more AFCON tournament or another World Cup with the team if the opportunity arises. For now, I want to watch the young players do their thing.”

Our mandate is to produce Igbo president in 2023 –Ohanaeze