Olunga Reveals He Had Offers from Top European Clubs before He Decided to Move to Qatar

• Michael Olunga had a stellar spell in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol to court interest from a number of clubs
• According to the forward, among the clubs who were interested in his services were from Italy and La Liga
• However, he says he was not enticed with a switch to Europe as the teams did not guarantee him playing time
• He went on to admit money also played a central role in his decision to join Qatar's Al Duhail SC

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Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga has revealed he had several offers from European clubs before he decided to join Qatari-based side Al Duhail SC.

Olunga was subject of transfer speculation during the beginning of the year following his stellar campaign in the J1 League with Kashiwa Reysol where he finished as the division's highest goalscorer.

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In the run-up to his departure, the Kenyan star scored a staggering 28 league goals to cart home the prestigious Golden Boot award.

He also became the first African footballer in the Japanese top-flight to be voted the Most Valuable Player alongside being named in the team of the season.

His exploits saw him court interest from a number of top clubs before he resolved to move to the Gulf with Al Duhail in January.

The former Gor Mahia forward has now come out to admit a number of European clubs, especially from Spain and Italy were interested in his services but decided to turn them down because he was not guaranteed playing time which he was focused on.

“I had several offers before going to Qatar, from La Liga and Italian leagues but as a player, I wanted to move to a place where I can play regularly and a good team which plays top football and not a team fighting relegation,” Olunga told Arocho Live on Sunday, June 20.

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Olunga went on to suggest money also played a huge part in his decision to sign for Al Duhail during his big-money move in January.

“I can also not rule money factor in my transfer, of course, you check what the team is offering, we are footballers and we have a future to look after, we have live’s to live, we have seen many players come out of football and they start to struggle financially," he said.

“We must have a balance of both, money and where to play, so myself I want to thank God for what he has given me and I am looking forward to the new season," he added.

Oliech tells Olunga to move to Qatar

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported how legendary Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech advised Michael Olunga to make a move to Qatar amid KSh 890 million bid from Al Duhail SC.

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Oliech, who once plied his trade in Qatar during his active playing days said Olunga should not turn down the offer.

According to the former Auxerre star, the football engineer should "pick these offers" before he enters the twilight years of his career.

The former Harambee Stars captain, however, advised Olunga to find the right agent to help him broker the deal.

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