Terengganu could be signing a former Inter Milan as well as West Ham United forward, as they prepare to boost their squad for this year’s Malaysia Super League campaign.
Having released Paulo Rangel last year, the Turtles have been on hunt for a new prolific forward, with Pahang’s Dickson Nwakaeme being linked with a move to Kuala Terengganu, at one point.
But it now appears that they are potentially on the verge of signing 28 year-old Nigerian forward, Victor Obinna, to complete their quota of four foreign players.
Obinna is currently part of the MSV Duisburg squad that’s competing in the second division of German football, though he is set to arrive in Kuala Terengganu this week, to undergo all the necessary medical and fitness tests.
“The former Nigerian international will arrive this week, based on discussions we’ve had with the player’s agent. Hopefully, he adds depth to our offensive department,” Terengganu FA’s Secretary-General, Arpin Draman told Harian Metro.
While Obinna certainly comes with the pedigree of having played for some of the biggest teams in the world, he is currently nursing a knee injury, which is visibly a cause for concern.
“But we are not keen on signing a player who is unfit or lacks the predatory instinct, so Obinna would be required to undergo a routine fitness test, medical check-up and prove his abilities on the pitch as well,” Arpin added.
Obinna’s first European breakthrough came with Chievo in 2005 before he moved to Inter Milan in 2008 – where he was highly rated by Inter’s head coach at that point, Jose Mourinho.
He went on to have loan stints with Malaga as well as West Ham United, before signing for Locomotiv Moscow on a free transfer in 2011. After four years there, he moved to Duisburg in January 2015.
Should Obinna be signed, Terengganu will be all set for the new season, with the other three foreign player slot occupied by Gustavo Lopez, Vincent Bikana as well as Issey Nakajima.
Other posts by Keeshaanan Sundaresan
