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Why Premier League teams failed to sign Osimhen – Cole
Former Man United striker Andy Cole explains the multiple factors beyond fees and salary that may have stopped Premier League clubs from signing Victor Osi
Why Premier League teams failed to sign Osimhen – Cole
September 16, 2026 5:40 am
Victor Osimhen. Photo: X / @Galatasaray
By Abiodun Adewale
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Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says several factors beyond transfer fees and salaries may have prevented Premier League clubs from signing Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in recent years, but none of the clubs completed a deal for the Nigeria international.
Speaking to GOAL, Cole said Osimhen has the quality to succeed in the Premier League but suggested that transfers involve several considerations.
“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.
“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 began his European career with Wolfsburg before making his breakthrough during a loan spell at Belgian side Charleroi. He later joined Lille and then Napoli, where he helped the club win the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season.
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The striker scored 31 goals that season and has continued to impress since moving to Galatasaray, where he has scored 65 goals in 78 appearances.
His performances have continued to attract interest from Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester United.
Former United defender Patrice Evra recently backed the club to sign Osimhen, describing him as the type of striker United need.
“I think Osimhen is the best. He’s a perfect example,” Evra told GOAL.
Former France international Louis Saha has also urged United to pursue the 27-year-old, highlighting his goalscoring record, Champions League experience and success with Napoli and Galatasaray.
Despite the recommendations from former United players, the club have not made a move for Osimhen and have instead signed Benjamin Sesko as their main out-and-out striker.
Osimhen remains under contract at Galatasaray, although Premier League interest could return in future transfer windows.
Abiodun Adewale
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
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September 16, 2026 5:40 am
Victor Osimhen. Photo: X / @Galatasaray
By Abiodun Adewale
Kindly share this story:
•
•
•
•
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Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says several factors beyond transfer fees and salaries may have prevented Premier League clubs from signing Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in recent years, but none of the clubs completed a deal for the Nigeria international.
Speaking to GOAL, Cole said Osimhen has the quality to succeed in the Premier League but suggested that transfers involve several considerations.
“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.
“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 began his European career with Wolfsburg before making his breakthrough during a loan spell at Belgian side Charleroi. He later joined Lille and then Napoli, where he helped the club win the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season.
• FULL LIST: Nigeria shines as Davido, Tems, others win at AFRIMMA 2026
• Keane defends Nigerian’s dismissal
• Bassey’s brilliance puts Fulham captain on Inter radar
The striker scored 31 goals that season and has continued to impress since moving to Galatasaray, where he has scored 65 goals in 78 appearances.
His performances have continued to attract interest from Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester United.
Former United defender Patrice Evra recently backed the club to sign Osimhen, describing him as the type of striker United need.
“I think Osimhen is the best. He’s a perfect example,” Evra told GOAL.
Former France international Louis Saha has also urged United to pursue the 27-year-old, highlighting his goalscoring record, Champions League experience and success with Napoli and Galatasaray.
Despite the recommendations from former United players, the club have not made a move for Osimhen and have instead signed Benjamin Sesko as their main out-and-out striker.
Osimhen remains under contract at Galatasaray, although Premier League interest could return in future transfer windows.
Abiodun Adewale
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
Kindly share this story:
•
•
•
•
•
•
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Join The Punch Newspapers Channel
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
Get the Punch News App
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