Asamoah Gyan, the former Sunderland striker, openly wondered why Premier League clubs hadn't aggressively pursued Victor Osimhen during the last transfer window. He saw a player brimming with passion and a relentless drive to score, qualities he believed would translate seamlessly to England’s top flight.
Gyan specifically voiced a hope that Manchester United might consider a move, acknowledging the club’s storied history as a potential draw for a player of Osimhen’s caliber – but only if the player himself desired it. The suggestion hung in the air, a quiet confidence in Osimhen’s potential impact.
Rio Ferdinand, the former United defender, didn’t hesitate. He stated unequivocally that if Manchester United extended an offer, Osimhen would accept without question. Ferdinand’s conviction spoke volumes about the striker’s perceived value and the allure of joining a club like United.
Last summer saw several top clubs – United, Arsenal, and Chelsea – all searching for a potent center forward. Ultimately, Arsenal secured Viktor Gyokeres and Chelsea opted for Benjamin Sesko, while United went with a different option. However, early returns haven’t been promising for either Gyokeres or Sesko, struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Paul Scholes, the legendary United midfielder, had already expressed his disappointment last August, arguing that Osimhen would have been a superior choice to the Slovenia international. His assessment now feels particularly prescient, given the contrasting performances.
Chelsea’s forward line also underwent changes, bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap while loaning out Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich. While Pedro showed flashes of brilliance, his goal tally remains modest. Delap, meanwhile, only recently scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham.
John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea stalwart, was deeply involved in negotiations to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge in 2024. He revealed a personal desire to see his compatriot fulfill a childhood dream, playing for the club he supported growing up.
Mikel expressed his disappointment when Chelsea ultimately shifted their focus to Delap, hoping the young player would succeed. He emphasized the need for an immediate impact player, someone with proven experience in high-stakes competitions, but remained supportive of the club’s decision.
Ultimately, Osimhen ended up joining Galatasaray on a permanent transfer last summer. The missed opportunities for Premier League clubs now appear more significant, as the striker continues to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess on a different stage.
