Why Premier League clubs didn't sign Osimhen, Cole

Victor Osimhen. Photo: X / @Galatasaray

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes there are many reasons, apart from transfer fees and salaries, that might have stopped Premier League teams from signing Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen has been linked with clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea in recent years, but none managed to sign the Nigerian forward.

Speaking to GOAL, Cole said Osimhen can succeed in the Premier League. He noted that transfers involve many factors.
"He does. He scores goals. He scored goals in Italy and he’s scoring goals in Turkey as well," Cole said.

"But, you know, it depends. There are 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."

Cole added, "If he does come to the Premier League, which I think he will be very good at, you never know who he’ll go to."

Osimhen started his European career with Wolfsburg. He made a name for himself during a loan spell at Belgian team Charleroi. After that, he joined Lille and then Napoli, where he helped the club win the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season.

That season, he scored 31 goals and has continued to shine since moving to Galatasaray, where he has netted 65 times in 78 matches.

His strong performances have caught the eye of Premier League clubs, especially Manchester United.
Former United defender Patrice Evra recently supported the idea of the club signing Osimhen, calling him the kind of striker United needs.

"I think Osimhen is the best. He’s a perfect example," Evra told GOAL.

Former France international Louis Saha also wants United to go after the 27-year-old. He pointed out Osimhen's goal-scoring record, Champions League experience, and success with Napoli and Galatasaray.

Despite these endorsements from past United players, the club has not pursued Osimhen. Instead, they signed Benjamin Sesko as their main striker.

Osimhen still has a contract with Galatasaray, but Premier League interest could return in future transfer windows.