Premier League clubs have shown reluctance to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen despite his impressive goal-scoring record, with three key factors emerging as stumbling blocks to a potential move to England's top flight.
According to British football transfer expert David Orstein, speaking on The Athletic Football podcast, while several English clubs have expressed interest in the 26-year-old striker, they harbor significant reservations about proceeding with a transfer.
Character Concerns
The first major concern revolves around Osimhen's character and professional relationships. The Super Eagles striker has reportedly had clashes with several coaches throughout his career, including Finidi George, Luciano Spalletti, and Rudi Garcia. These confrontations have raised red flags for Premier League clubs about potential management challenges.
Wage Demands
Osimhen's current salary expectations present another significant hurdle. The striker currently earns approximately €200,000 net per week and is unwilling to accept less. For Premier League clubs, this would translate to gross earnings exceeding €300,000 weekly due to England's high tax rates—a financial commitment many teams are hesitant to make.
Player Profile Concerns
The third issue relates to Osimhen's overall profile as a player. While the specifics weren't elaborated upon, this suggests Premier League clubs may have tactical or stylistic concerns about how the Nigerian would fit into their systems.
Despite these concerns, Osimhen's goal-scoring record remains impressive. Over the past three seasons with Napoli and Galatasaray, he has netted 85 goals and provided 17 assists in 112 matches—statistics that would typically attract top clubs.
The Nigerian international spent last season on loan at Galatasaray but is expected to seek a permanent move this summer. Previously, he came close to joining Chelsea but failed to agree on personal terms. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with the striker in recent transfer windows.
As the summer transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether any Premier League club will overcome these reservations to secure Osimhen's signature, or if the prolific striker will find his next destination outside of England.
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