'Let’s get one thing very clear' - Oliseh speaks on Osimhen's snub by EPL clubs

Nigerian legend, Sunday Oliseh has shed light on why several elite European clubs opted against signing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, despite his reputation as one of the world’s most lethal forwards.

Osimhen’s transfer saga dominated the summer window as his relationship with Napoli deteriorated.

In the end, the Nigerian forward sealed a record-breaking move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, who paid the full €75 million upfront and agreed to his €15 million net salary.

The deal makes Osimhen the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.

The FIFA Technical Committee member, speaking in a video shared on social media, revealed that the true cost of acquiring Osimhen stood at an eye-watering €187 million over four years, far beyond the budgets of many interested clubs.

“For the fans, football is passion and love. But for all the actors involved in football, it is business,” Oliseh said.

The former Nigeria captain explained that while Napoli’s reported asking price was €75 million, the overall package ballooned due to additional clauses and Osimhen’s substantial wage demands.

He added, “The real price for acquiring and maintaining Osimhen is €187m. His wages alone over four years would be €112 million. This has been the major problem for clubs trying to acquire him.”

Oliseh argued that Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, despite heavy speculation, eventually backed out of negotiations.