Victor Osimhen: Why Premier League clubs are running away from Super Eagles striker

Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea have stepped back from pursuing Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen this summer, despite his remarkable 30-goal season at Galatasaray. 

Transfer experts David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have revealed that the striker’s high salary demands and concerns about his character have deterred English clubs.

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David Ornstein, who writes for The Athletic, as reported by Pulse Sports, said that Osimhen is not a target for Manchester United. 

He added that broader concerns among Premier League clubs include Osimhen’s financial expectations and suitability. 

“The feeling among most Premier League clubs that have looked into the possibility seems to be that the salary expectations are difficult to meet, and he is perhaps not the player/character they are looking for at present,” he was quoted per a post on X. 

“The consensus among these teams seems to be that Saudi could well prove his destination,” Ornstein explained.

Fabrizio Romano echoed these sentiments, pinpointing Osimhen’s €12 million net annual salary as a major obstacle. 

“Why is the deal for Victor Osimhen not advancing? Because of the salary. That’s the crucial point. No English club is ready to put €12 million net for Victor Osimhen,” Romano said. 

He noted that Osimhen’s insistence on maintaining his Napoli-level wages, combined with commissions and a €75 million release clause, has stalled negotiations. 

“The other option is for Victor Osimhen to reduce his salary request and join one of these clubs. Otherwise, there are Saudi and more clubs interested,” Romano added.

With Premier League clubs prioritising cost-effective signings, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing alternatives like Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. 

Osimhen’s future now appears to lean toward the Saudi Pro League, where clubs may meet his financial demands, or other markets if he adjusts his expectations. 

For now, a Premier League move seems unlikely for the Nigerian star, who is hoping to add to his goal tally when he leads Galatasaray on Sunday in the Super Lig.