By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 11, 2023
Some fans have expressed their disappointment over reports that Odion Ighalo could be forced out of Al Hilal with Argentine megastar Lionel Messi reportedly in talks with the Saudi Arabian giants, reports PUNCH Sports Extra.
Sky Sports News reported that Messi may be a replacement for the Nigerian striker, whose contract with Al Hilal is set to expire in two months, and for whom no extension talks are planned.
Al Hilal are believed to be working on a deal to sign Messi, with some sources suggesting the deal could be worth over £400m, with the former Barcelona captain expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after his contract with the club expires.
The report added that representatives from Al Ain and Al Nasr Dubai have reportedly approached Ighalo for a potential move.
Reacting to the report on Sky Sports News, some fans fumed at the treatment of Ighalo and other African players.
John Ndfrek said, “Why always our African brothers? Abubakar had to leave because of Ronaldo, now Ighalo may have to leave to accommodate Messi.”
Ishola Odun added, “Ighalo in the mix again, WOW.”
An unhappy Samkelo Mkhize wondered why African players were always the fall guys for big transfers to Saudi.
“All the time it’s an African player. I wonder why they have to be the one,” he wrote.
Joshua Vin Scent stated, “At Al-Nasser, CR7 came in, and Abubakar was forced out. Now Ighalo has to make way for Messi at Al-Hilal? Damn!”
P.I. simply wrote, “Always the brothers taking the fall.”
Jcruz added, “This Arabs leagues, why is it anytime they want to sign big players it’s African players they always use as the scapegoat?”
“Imagine getting rid of the goat to bring in Lionel Messi,” Fahim Chowdhury wrote.
Katlego concluded, “What did Africans do to the world? Got dumped for Ronaldo last year and now Messi. Unbelievable really.”
Ighalo moved to Al Hilal from fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab in January and has since become the highest goal scorer in the league with 18 goals from 22 league games. He scored 12 times in 13 league games for Al Hilal last season
Source Punch Ng
Posted May 11, 2023
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