Andy Cole Explains Why Premier League Clubs Have Not Signed Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen’s failure to secure a move to a Premier League club may have little to do with his goalscoring ability, according to former Manchester United striker Andy Cole.

The Nigeria international has been linked with several English giants, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, but none completed a deal for him. Osimhen has instead continued his career in Turkey with Galatasaray.

Cole believes the 27-year-old has the qualities to succeed in England, but said major transfers involve more than simply agreeing a player’s salary or paying a transfer fee.

“He does. He scores goals. He scored goals in Italy and he’s scoring goals in Turkey as well,” Cole told GOAL when asked whether Osimhen could thrive in the Premier League.

The former United striker added that clubs consider several factors when deciding whether to sign a player. “It’s not all about just the salary or the transfer fee. There could be many different things that go on,” he said.

Osimhen began his European career at Wolfsburg before making his breakthrough during a loan spell at Belgian club Charleroi. He later moved to Lille and Napoli, where he became a key figure in the club’s Serie A title-winning campaign in the 2022/23 season.

The striker scored 31 goals during that campaign and has continued to produce at Galatasaray. He has reportedly scored 65 goals in 78 appearances for the Turkish club, keeping his name on the radar of major European sides.

Manchester United have remained one of the clubs most frequently linked with Osimhen. Former United defender Patrice Evra has publicly backed the striker as a potential fit for the club, while former France international Louis Saha has also praised his goalscoring record, Champions League experience and success in Italy and Turkey.

United, however, have opted to sign Benjamin Sesko as their main out-and-out striker rather than make a move for Osimhen. Cole’s comments suggest that while the Nigerian remains highly regarded, a Premier League transfer can depend on a range of sporting and financial considerations beyond a player’s reputation and goal record.