Sports Analyst, SEGUN AGBEDE
Victor Osimhen is one of the most sought-after strikers in European football. After leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades with 26 league goals in the 2022–2023 season, expectations were high. The Nigerian forward had proven his quality in one of the toughest leagues in the world, and for a moment, it seemed inevitable that he would take the next step to an elite Premier League or La Liga club. But a year later, his transfer story is still hanging in the balance, with Europe’s biggest clubs keeping their distance. So why aren’t they signing him?
At the heart of the issue is money. Napoli inserted a release clause between €120 million and €130 million into Osimhen’s new contract, and president Aurelio De Laurentiis has a reputation for being a tough negotiator. Even the wealthiest clubs have balked at such a price tag. On top of that, Osimhen is reportedly earning around €10 million per year — about £300,000 per week. That figure puts him among the highest earners in Europe, a level most potential suitors aren’t willing to match. Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all looked, but all walked away. The finances just don’t add up.
But it’s not only about money. Osimhen’s injury record is another red flag. Since joining Napoli, he has missed over 60 games due to injuries, ranging from facial fractures to recurring muscle problems. In elite leagues where the pace and intensity are high, clubs need players they can rely on week in and week out. Consistent availability is key — and Osimhen hasn’t proven he can deliver that.
There’s also the question of style and fit. Osimhen is a traditional number 9: physical, fast, powerful in the air, and lethal in the box. But top teams today often want more than just goals. Managers like Mikel Arteta or Erik ten Hag prefer strikers who can drop deep, link play, press high, and create space for wingers. Some scouts have quietly questioned whether Osimhen has the technical finesse and tactical flexibility needed in modern systems. He’s devastating inside the 18-yard box, but does he offer enough outside of it?
Attitude has also come under scrutiny. Osimhen’s recent fallout with former Super Eagles coach Finidi George was widely publicized. Many saw his Instagram Live outburst as disrespectful, even damaging. According to former Nigerian striker Peter Ijeh, Osimhen may not fully understand the expectations that come with playing at the very top in Europe. Ijeh told Punch newspaper, “Europe is a small community that takes attitude and character as keys… which he thinks the Nigeria striker doesn’t understand.” Darren Bent, a former England striker and now a top pundit, also warned Arsenal against signing him, noting, “He was good… but maybe his attitude has been questioned on occasions. That’s still a risk.”
Nigerian sports analyst Segun Agbade believes Osimhen’s behavior in the public space — especially when reacting emotionally to criticism or controversy — is hurting his brand. According to Agbade, the top clubs don’t just look for talent; they look for players who understand the responsibilities that come with being global ambassadors. “It’s not enough to score goals,” Agbade said. “You must show maturity off the pitch. European clubs invest in people, not just players.” He added that Osimhen’s public disagreement with Finidi George might seem insignificant in Nigeria, but it resonates far more deeply in professional environments where discipline and respect are valued.
Other Nigerian voices have echoed this view. Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West noted in a recent interview that Osimhen’s perceived arrogance could be a problem. “Your ability can open doors, but your character can close them,” West warned, pointing to how incidents in the dressing room and on social media can influence boardroom decisions. Emmanuel Amuneke, Osimhen’s former youth coach, stressed the importance of stability and self-reflection, urging the striker to focus on growth and professionalism if he wants to play for clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Peter Ijeh, who has coached in Europe, advised Osimhen to “implore humility,” saying humility is the bedrock of success in international football. According to Ijeh, the biggest clubs in Europe operate within small professional networks where reputation travels fast — and Osimhen’s name currently rings a few warning bells.
Meanwhile, Odion Ighalo, a former Manchester United striker and respected Nigerian figure, came to Osimhen’s defense. While acknowledging his missteps, Ighalo warned Nigerians to be more supportive. “No human being is perfect,” he said. “Seeing comments about this young man from his own country makes me sad. I can feel the pain in his voice.” Ighalo believes that excessive criticism can affect the player’s confidence and marketability, especially when coming from home.
Clubs are also being more cautious because of Financial Fair Play regulations. Chelsea, for instance, is under pressure to stay within limits after heavy spending in previous windows. David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Chelsea effectively ruled themselves out of the Osimhen chase due to both the transfer fee and the salary demands. PSG considered him too, but eventually pivoted to other younger or more versatile forwards like Randal Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos.
Victor Osimhen, for all his talent, has become a complicated case. It’s not that clubs don’t admire his ability — they do. But between the financial burden, injury history, playing style, and recent off-field behavior, most top clubs have decided to wait. Even German clubs like Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, known for taking calculated risks, passed on him.
Interestingly, Osimhen recently rejected a massive offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal that would have seen him earn over £650,000 per week. That decision proved one thing: he still sees himself as a player for Europe’s top leagues. Yet the doors to those clubs are not opening the way he might have hoped.
As Segun Agbade concluded, Osimhen’s story is a reminder that raw talent and goals are no longer enough. In today’s football world, everything matters — professionalism, behavior, flexibility, injury record, emotional intelligence, and market value. Osimhen may yet get his big move, but until he lowers his demands or Napoli changes their stance, the biggest clubs will keep looking elsewhere. For now, the once-certain superstar transfer remains stuck in limbo.
–Benprince Ezeh
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