Ighalo’s 21 goals for Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League (CSL) in 2018 were not enough for them to avoid relegation. It’s of no benefit for Ighalo and Changchun Yatai to continue the relationship, so the striker is back in England to sort out his future. 

There has been a slew of reports linking him to several clubs but this article, we look at four scenarios. What would be his dream move, his realistic choice, a wildcard and Pulse Sports suggest.

Barcelona-based sports daily, Sport reported the story over the weekend, saying that the Catalan giants are considering Ighalo as an option for a back-up striker. 

With the expected departures of Munir El Haddadi and Denis Suarez, Barcelona are thin in attack and are looking for a quick fix. 

Granted, Ighalo won’t play much unless Suarez gets an injury, but donning the colours of almighty Barcelona and playing alongside Lionel Messi would be enough perks to lure players to Nou Camp.

Add the likely possibilities of winning the trophies this season, Ighalo will be rubbing his hands at the thought of it. 

And it’s not just about Ighalo here also, in the Nigerian, Barcelona have a striker who can score goals. He has the bust of pace and skills to get short-term success at Barcelona. Playing with the likes of Messi and Philippe Coutinho will definitely make it easier for him. 

Southampton have also been mentioned as one of the clubs interested in Ighalo and off every report in the media about the striker, this looks more realistic. 

With goals hard to come by for the Saints, Ralph Hasenhüttl is desperate for more options up front. The Nigerian striker makes sense as he has the experience of playing in the Premier League where he impressed for Watford. 

Ighalo thrives off running in behind opposition defence and his playing style suits the setup Hasenhuttl is known for. 

If anybody is wondering how Atletico Madrid came up here, they are looking for a striker too following the continued absence of Diego Costa. Alvaro Morata has been linked with a return to his boyhood club although Chelsea’s hardball means this move is unlikely at the moment. 

Ighalo would make sense for Atletico Madrid with his robust style of play. Just like Costa, Ighalo thrives off 'ball in the box' situations where he has to dominate physically. 

Atletico Madrid are also having problems scoring goals so far this season as they have 27 in the league, the lowest in the top four. 

Clubs considering Ighalo this January transfer window might have been tempted by the 21 goals he scored in the CSL last year. He also had a good scoring spree with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying games. 

But the level and intensity of the CSL should also be considered. A move to the Premier League and La Liga where the intensity is considerably higher might be too much for 29-year-old Ighalo. 

If that’s the case, a move to Fenerbahce would be the best bet.