Etim Esin urges Onazi to reject Liverpool

Former Nigeria midfielder, Etim Esin, has warned Lazio’s Ogenyi Onazi not to leave the Italian club for Liverpool, saying a move to Anfield could lead to a decline in his career.

Onazi, who has been a regular in the Super Eagles line-up with a rising profile in the Serie A club, has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Everton in the summer, but the Reds came forward on Saturday to make an offer to Lazio for their midfielder.

Esin told our correspondent on the telephone on Sunday that a move to Liverpool would not be the best for the defensive midfielder.

“How many Africans have risen to be great stars at Liverpool? The club’s record with African players is not encouraging. The proposed move is not the best for him at this time of his career. I believe he deserves a more ambitious club where a regular playing time can be assured,” Esin said.

“Liverpool are ninth in the Premier League table and are not likely to win the league or qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while Lazio are third in the Serie A. He stands a better chance of playing UEFA competitions next season with his current club.

“If, however, he has made up his mind to move to Liverpool, I wish him well. But I think players move to the Premier League because it’s England.”

Meanwhile, Lazio have reportedly rejected a swap deal from Liverpool involving Fabio Borini for the Nigerian midfielder.

Liverpool are looking to take advantage of Lazio’s long-term interest in Borini by offering the former Chelsea and Roma forward plus £8m for Onazi’s services.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had opted for Bayer Leverkusen’s Emre Can in the summer when he had the chance to bring in Onazi.

Borini has failed to impress this season alongside Liverpool’s other misfiring strikers, and Rodgers is ready to part ways with the Italian as he looks to engineer an early return for Lille loanee Divock Origi.

Esin added, “If Liverpool desperately need Onazi they will not be offering a player that is useless to the team; that means they are not losing anything for bringing Onazi in. That should be a sign to Onazi that he may not be valued at Anfield. Liverpool’s problems are the strikers, not defenders or midfielders.”

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