Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo might find himself on the chopping block at Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab FC if Lionel Messi’s rumoured move to Al-Hilal comes to fruition. Ighalo currently leads the Saudi Pro League in goals with 18, but the possible arrival of Messi could mean he’s on his way out.
According to reports, Messi’s future at Paris Saint-Germain is still uncertain, and the Argentine is considering a transfer to Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal. The move could have far-reaching implications for Nigerian striker Ighalo, who has been Al-Shabab FC’s leading scorer this season.
With just a few weeks left in the transfer window, there is a possibility that Messi’s reported move to Al-Hilal could lead to Ighalo’s departure. Although Al-Shabab FC is yet to announce any transfer moves, the club might be forced to make room for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and free up wage space by letting go of Ighalo.
It would be a bitter pill to swallow for Ighalo, who has been a key figure for Al-Shabab FC since his arrival from Manchester United earlier this year. The Nigerian International has contributed 18 goals in 29 games to help the team win the Saudi Pro League title last season. However, the arrival of Messi would see him dropped to the bench or even on the transfer list.
According to a Saudi football expert, Ahmad Al-Fawaz, Messi’s move to Al-Hilal would have far-reaching implications across the league. He highlighted that “The arrival of Messi raises the stakes for every team in the Saudi Pro League to keep up. If Al-Hilal sign him, it would be like signing the greatest player in history.”
In conclusion, the potential transfer of Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal could be the end of the road for Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo at Al-Shabab FC. The club’s financial situation could force them to look for ways to make enough room for Messi, and Ighalo’s departure could be the most feasible option.
