Micah Richards hailed Chelsea and Newcastle United transfer target Victor Osimhen’s header as Napoli progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night as “absolutely ridiculous”.
The all-round and highly sought-after striker, like his Cristiano Ronaldo in pomp, jumped as high as he was gifted from standing to open the scoring as Napoli went on to demolish Frankfurt’s 5-0 on aggregate Eintracht.
Another high-profile talent, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is also on Chelsea’s and Newcastle’s transfer radars, with defenders at their rear.
The duo could be two of the most dangerous strikers in world football today. They are on the verge of leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 30 years, but they will hope to do the same in the Champions League.
All football eyes have been on Napoli this season, as Luciano Spalletti has built the team and the aforementioned duo are at the heart of their attacking prowess.
Nonetheless, former Manchester City defender Mika Richards delivered his response when asked about the performances of Osimhen and Kovaratskhelia on Wednesday night, As he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (10:20 PM 15/03/23).
On Osimhen: “We talked about him and his efficiency,” Richards said. “But I just want to talk about the leap he made here.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous. Off the floor, but not only that, turning the header back where it came from. It’s absolutely fantastic. He’s certainly going to put it there, too.”
On display at Kvaratskhelia: He played well,” Richards added. “But he couldn’t close his chances.
“He did everything we expected in terms of connection. He was smart. The right pass weight. Just got the job done. He’s had a couple of times and it looks like he’s desperate to score.”
Premier League bound?
This is bound to happen thanks to Premier League funding, but where will Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen end up?
If Newcastle make it to the Champions League, and with their inexhaustible funds, they will back themselves to sign any pair.
On the other hand, those at Stamford Bridge still have a chance of winning the Champions League and they’ve shown they’re willing to spend because they need that outright No 9 now, with Osimhen also entering the picture, in that regard? Thierry Henry certainly thought so.
All in all, it won’t be long before at least one of them is dancing across the English football scene.
In other news, Fabinho warns Liverpool ‘cannot despair’ for Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid
