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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Super Eagles captain and ex-coach, Sunday Oliseh, has explained why some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, passed up the chance to sign Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen this summer.
Oliseh said the deal to sign the ex- Napoli striker who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray was simply too expensive for even the richest clubs. According to him, Osimhen’s release clause was around €75 million, while his wage demands were estimated at €12 million net per year.
When agents’ commissions and other costs were factored in, the total package could have reached about €187 million.
“That’s simply too heavy for most clubs right now,” Oliseh noted, adding that Financial Fair Play regulations made it even more difficult for clubs to commit to such a huge outlay.
Beyond the financial burden, analysts have pointed to other issues that might have swayed clubs’ decisions. These include concerns over tactical fit, as Osimhen’s traditional No. 9 style may not align with the high-press, fluid attacking systems favoured by some elite sides.
British football legend Gary Lineker also recently hinted at character concerns, claiming some clubs were “nervous” about Osimhen due to reports that he occasionally went missing for days. His injury record was also seen as an added risk.
Despite the snub from top clubs, Osimhen remains one of Africa’s most lethal strikers, having played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title win in 2023 and continuing to shine in Turkey with Galatasaray.