By our reporter 15.9.2026
Former Manchester United top striker Andy Cole has explained why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is not attracting Premier League clubs despite having all the qualities they need.
In 2024 Chelsea was whiskers away from signing Osimhen but the deal fell through on deadline day, and Galatasaray stepped in to make a loan move, which made permanent in 2025. This season Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United were linked to the Super Eagles frontman, but it turned out these clubs never moved a muscle to further their reported interests.
Andy Cole speaking to goal.com said there were several factors involved in Oshimen’s inability to join a Premier League club despite the clubs spending big on strikers who do not have Oshimen’s ability.
“He scores goals. He scored goals in Italy and he’s scoring goals in Turkey as well,” a treble winner with United said.
“But, you know, it depends. There’s many different factors in signing a player from a respective country. It’s not all about just the salary or the transfer fee. There could be many different things that go on. If he does come to the Premier League, which I think he will be very good in the Premier League, you never know who he’ll go to.”
Osimhen so far this season has scored five goals from six matches for Galatasaray in the Turkey Super League, but he is currently out for three weeks due to a groin injury.
Victor Osimhen...High value playing in a small league.