Chelsea and Man Utd handed surprise Victor Osimhen transfer boost

Cameron Smith

Updated: 31 Jan 2025 18:38 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed an unlikely boost in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, despite the fact his representatives are reportedly in talks with Barcelona.

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The Nigeria international, 26, is currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasarary, but he is widely expected to leave Napoli on a permanent deal this summer.

Osimhen has a €75 million release clause included in his current deal with the Serie A side and although Galatasaray have been linked with a permanent move for the forward, they have reportedly turned their attention to AC Milan star Alvaro Morata.

Furthermore, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick isn’t convinced that Osimhen would be value for money, according to El Nacional.

Osimhen’s entourage have reportedly contacted the Blaugrana regarding a possible move to Camp Nou this summer, but Flick would currently prefer to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak or Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

A move for the Nigeria star can’t be ruled out, as per El Nacional, but Barcelona are now looking at alternative targets in their bid to sign a Robert Lewandowski successor, despite Osimhen’s reported desire to join the club.

© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen to secure a Premier League transfer?

As a result, Chelsea and Man Utd have been handed the chance to accelerate their pursuit of Osimhen following their failed attempts to sign him in 2024.

The Nigerian has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for the past few months, with Man Utd tipped to make a concerted effort to sign him this year amid Rasmus Hojlund’s recent struggles in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea could rekindle their interest in Osimhen after coming close to finalising a deal for the 26-year-old last summer. However, the Blues are also tracking Evan Ferguson and Liam Delap as they eye a possible replacement for Nicolas Jackson.