Last year’s transfer story involving Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was a summer-long saga that came to an unsatisfying conclusion.
With his parent club Napoli unable to find a suitable offer, and Osimhen failing to come to terms with any club chasing his signature, he ended up taking a one-year loan to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Osimhen has remained a top goal-scorer while at his temporary home this season, scoring 25 league goals to become a favourite to win the golden boot in the Turkish top flight while leading Galatasaray to a domestic double.
Yet the short-term relationship is likely to come to an end this summer, and Osimhen will once again find himself on the open market looking for a long-term home.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has been on the case as this story once again heats up, with a number of big-money clubs hoping to make Osimhen the face of their attacking unit. From Premier League sides to Champions League finalists and everyone in between, the Sporting News runs through the clubs most likely to land the Nigerian star, while mentioning others who are unlikely to contend.
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Victor Osimhen next club: Potential landing spots
Manchester United
Manchester United have needed a striker for quite some time. They spent big money on Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta two years ago, but he has not developed into the player they hoped he would become.
United have been heavily linked with Osimhen for some time now, with GiveMeSport discussing it back in late February.
A move for Osimhen would be a major signal of intent, but it’s hard to imagine this would come to pass, considering United’s financial struggles and their lack of European play — unless, of course, they win the Europa League title, which would change both of those things in a major way.
MORE: All the latest Man Utd news | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Chelsea
Chelsea reportedly pursued Osimhen last summer and are expected to return to negotiations this time around. The Blues weren’t put off by the fact that Nicolas Jackson is currently their starter, and it likely won’t be an issue this time around either, even though they have backed Jackson through multiple struggles in the past.
Reports have indicated that Osimhen views things the same from his end: regardless of Chelsea’s status in Europe, he will be interested in a deal.
MORE:Â All the latest Chelsea news
Arsenal
While Chelsea and Man United seem the most interested Premier League parties, Arsenal are in desperate need of a striker as well.
The Gunners were Champions League semifinalists this season and are set to finish second in the Premier League table for a third year running, but both trophy challenges were derailed by the lack of a talisman goal-scorer. Thanks to injuries and poor performances (more the former than the latter, in fairness), midfielder Mikel Merino was forced to deputise up front for nearly a third of the campaign.
With Arsenal fans painfully aware of the club’s need for a striker, and desperately pleading for the front office to solve that glaring issue, they could make a play here. As always with the north London side, financials will play a significant role, and it feels like Osimhen would only be considered if their top targets — reportedly Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko — were unavailable.
MORE:Â All the latest Arsenal news
Juventus
There remains interest in Osimhen from within Serie A, especially from Juventus who are again in need of a striker thanks to Dusan Vlahovic’s continued struggles. This deal remains highly unlikely, however, as Napoli are against selling to a direct Italian rival, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Saudi Pro League
There was significant interest last summer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, who were in direct negotiations with both club and player before pulling out to pursue Ivan Toney at the end of the window. Al Ahli are likely no longer a viable destination given that Toney has been fantastic for them — he has 21 goals and four assists in 28 league games, plus another six continental goals.
Still, another Saudi club could make a move knowing that Osimhen himself is clearly open to such a transfer, which is often the biggest hurdle for the league in securing star talent. Al Ittihad may need to rerack if they see a disgruntled Karim Benzema depart, or Al Nassr if they see the writing on the wall with Cristiano Ronaldo in the near future.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain are in the Champions League final and have largely moved away from buying superstars in the transfer market. However, Luis Enrique may be interested in doing a deal here given the current makeup of the squad.
PSG have excelled this season without a true striker, playing natural winger Ousmane Dembele through the middle alongside two other electric wide players picked from three stars in the squad. The Spanish boss may know that long-term, however, he will need a solution at the striker position.
Could Victor Osimhen stay at Galatasaray?
While Fabrizio Romano mentions that Galatasaray are desperate to somehow find a way to keep Osimhen at the club, it’s highly unlikely.
Osimhen has been prolific in Turkey this season, and the fans have fallen in love with the energetic Nigerian, but the financials will be difficult to piece together. Unless Osimhen — and probably Napoli, too — give Galatasaray a discount, it’s nothing more than a pipe dream for the Super Lig giants to retain their star man.
Could Victor Osimhen stay at Napoli?
This one is the least likely of them all.
The relationship between Osimhen and Napoli has completely broken down after last summer’s saga, and with the Italian side challenging for the Serie A title without the striker, there’s a clear feeling at the club that they do not need him to stay.
Unless things change drastically, and the club reverses course to swallow a major financial hit (both the lack of a massive transfer windfall AND massive wages), there’s essentially a zero percent chance of him staying aboard.
