Victor Osimhen: Ex-england Star Gary Lineker Details Why Top Clubs Avoided Nigerian Star
- Victor Osimhen was on the radar of several top clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain
- All the teams eventually backed out, before the Nigerian international opted for a permanent transfer to Turkish club Galatasaray
- Gary Lineker explained why some of the clubs abandoned the potential deal, even though the striker has been incredible in recent times
Former England international Gary Lineker has disclosed that several top clubs in Europe shunned the idea of signing Victor Osimhen over concerns about his character.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain all showed strong interest in signing Nigerian forward, but they all backed out in the final stages.
Osimhen, who recently secured a €75 million move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, had been one of the most sought-after forwards in world football following his exceptional performances.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker applauded the 26-year-old's brilliance on the pitch as he recelled his impressive show against Leicester City in the Europa League.
Lineker said:
“I saw Osimhen play a couple of times against Leicester when they were in the Europa League,.
“He was so impressive and I’ve followed his career because of that. He was absolutely brilliant for Napoli. I mean, he was sensational.”
However, the former Barcelona forward stated that other reservations may have influenced clubs’ decisions.
He continued via United in Focus:
"“I do hear on the grapevine that a reason one or two of the clubs are a little bit nervous is that he sometimes goes missing for a few days.
“So, there’s apparently some kind of slight question mark as to his character in that sense.
“But whether that’s true or not, I wouldn’t confirm it. But that’s what someone that’s quite close to one or two big clubs and agents [has said].
“It does seem strange that he’s never ended up at one of the giants because talent-wise, wow.”
London club Chelsea had been heavily linked with Osimhen as they sought a marquee striker, while Manchester United and Arsenal viewed him as a potential solution to their attacking problems.
Also, PSG saw him as a possible replacement for departing forwards, but despite their initial pursuit, all four clubs reportedly hesitated and ultimately withdrew their interest.
All the failed negotiations eventually allowed Galatasaray to swoop in and secure the striker's signature.
Inside Osimhen's deal with Galatasaray
Osimhen sealed a permanent move to the Turkish giants in July 2025 for €75 million ($87.7 million).
The deal includes €40 million upfront and €35 million in instalments by 2026, plus a 10% sell-on clause, which is a record-breaking transfer for Turkish football, Yahoo reports.
He signed a four-year contract with a €15 million annual salary and a €1 million loyalty bonus.
He had an outstanding 2024/25 loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and recorded eight assists in 41 matches, driving the club to Turkish Süper Lig and Turkish Cup victories.
Source: Getty Images
European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, initially targeted the Napoli star but backed out as negotiations faltered due to Napoli’s high valuation and Osimhen’s steep salary demands.
Primate Ayodele's dark Osimhen prophecy
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele has stirred controversy with a scary prophecy about Victor Osimhen’s recent transfer to Galatasaray.
Speaking during a sermon at his INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church located in Lagos, Ayodele stated that the 26-year-old striker would not enjoy the new transfer.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
