Ruth Semilore
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has set her sights on leaving reigning Spanish champions Barcelona, marking the end of a successful chapter with the club she joined in January 2019, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward initially arrived at Barcelona on a loan deal from Chinese club Dalian Quanjian.
Following her remarkable on-field exploits, Barcelona were prompted to secure her permanently in June of the same year.
Oshoala’s time with Barcelona has been nothing short of successful, as the former Liverpool star contributed to the club’s collection of four Primera División titles, three Supercopa de España Femenina honors, and three Copa de la Reina titles.
Her historic achievement as the first African to clinch the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Barcelona in 2021 stands out, and she replicated that success in the 2023 edition.
Despite these accolades, Oshoala’s journey with Barcelona is reaching its conclusion, as her contract, set to expire in June, has prompted the club to approve her departure this month.
Barcelona’s recent squad decisions further signaled the end of Oshoala’s tenure.
She was excluded from the squad in the clash against Real Betis last Sunday and the thrilling 4-4 draw with SL Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.
According to reports from Nigeria Football, Oshoala has been spotted in the United States, heightening speculation of her move to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit Bay FC. The potential transfer could command a fee of approximately €150,000 ($162,000).
An official announcement is anticipated later this week, with Oshoala purportedly agreeing to a contract that extends through 2026, including a 2027 option.
Bay FC, set to debut in the NWSL’s 2024 season, will call PayPal Park in San Jose, California, their home stadium. Their inaugural NWSL campaign kicks off against Angel City on March 17.
READ ALSO:How Burna Boy Inspires Me – SEYI VIBEZ
In her final season with Barcelona, Oshoala made 14 appearances, starting in only three games but impressively netting eight goals.
Over her five-year stint with the Spanish giants, the former Arsenal star etched her name in history, scoring 107 goals in 149 appearances.
