LONDON, ENGLAND — Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has explained why no Premier League club has completed a move for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen despite long-standing interest in his services, citing the complex factors involved in cross-border transfers.
Osimhen has been linked with several leading English clubs over the years, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. However, none of those reported interests has resulted in a transfer. The 27-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers after impressing in France and Italy before moving to Galatasaray in Turkey.
Osimhen enjoyed a particularly successful spell at Napoli, where he helped the club win the Serie A title during the 2022-23 campaign. He has also continued his impressive goalscoring record with Galatasaray, registering 65 goals in 78 appearances. With his pace, physical strength and finishing ability, Osimhen appears well suited to the demands of English football.
Cole, who won the treble with Manchester United in 1999, believes the Nigerian would be capable of making a major impact in the Premier League. “He does. He scores goals. He scored goals in Italy and he’s scoring goals in Turkey as well,” Cole told GOAL.
However, Cole explained that there are several factors involved when clubs consider signing a player from another country, meaning a transfer cannot be judged solely on the player’s ability or the financial package involved. “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,” he added.
Cole also backed Osimhen to perform well should he eventually make the move to England. “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,” he said.
Osimhen has received strong backing from several former Manchester United players, with Patrice Evra previously identifying him as the striker the club needs. Former United and France striker Louis Saha has also described Osimhen as a potential transformational signing for the Red Devils, highlighting his goalscoring record and experience in European competition.
Despite that support, United have opted to pursue other options and currently have Benjamin Sesko as their recognised No.9. Arsenal could also potentially revive their interest in the Nigerian in a future transfer window, particularly given his proven record at the highest level.
The Nigerian’s future remains a subject of intense speculation, with clubs across Europe monitoring his situation. For now, Osimhen continues to deliver goals for Galatasaray, enhancing his reputation as one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. Whether a Premier League move materialises remains to be seen, but Cole’s comments suggest that the obstacles are more complex than simply a club’s willingness to pay the required fee.
