Nigerian striker’s future remains uncertain as top English clubs shy away from high wages and reported disciplinary issues
Despite consistent links with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen continues to face uncertainty over a move to England, as new reports suggest that several top-flight sides have growing concerns about his profile, character, and financial demands.
Osimhen, 26, has been at the center of transfer speculation for the past two summer windows, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United among the clubs previously credited with interest. However, no deal has materialized, and it now appears there are deeper reservations from English clubs that go beyond his undeniable goal-scoring ability.
British football transfer expert David Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, revealed that while there is real interest in the Napoli star, multiple Premier League clubs have opted to pause or walk away from potential negotiations due to issues around his personality, previous disputes with coaches, and most notably, his high wage expectations.
Osimhen’s Impressive Record on the Pitch
Victor Osimhen’s recent goal-scoring statistics are nothing short of elite. Over the past three seasons combined—with Napoli and, more recently, during a loan stint at Turkish giants Galatasaray—he has scored an impressive 85 goals and contributed 17 assists in just 112 appearances across all competitions. His athleticism, movement, and sharp finishing have earned him recognition as one of the most dangerous center-forwards in world football.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in helping Napoli win the 2022/23 Serie A title, their first in over three decades, finishing the season as the league’s top scorer. Last season, however, he spent time on loan at Galatasaray, where he continued his prolific form but also found himself at the center of off-field controversies.
Now entering a crucial stage of his career, Osimhen is reportedly eager to make a permanent move this summer, preferably to a club competing at the highest level in Europe. Yet despite his on-pitch performances, securing a deal with a Premier League team may be more complicated than expected.
Transfer Complications: Wage Structure and Tax Impact
One of the major stumbling blocks for Premier League clubs is Osimhen’s current wage structure. The Nigerian international reportedly earns a net salary of around €200,000 per week—an amount few clubs in England are willing to match under their current financial strategies.
Due to the significantly higher tax rates in the UK, any club wishing to match Osimhen’s net salary would need to pay well over €300,000 per week gross. Such a figure would place Osimhen among the top earners in the league, and could potentially unsettle wage structures at clubs already managing strict financial fair play (FFP) limits.
Chelsea, who came close to signing Osimhen last summer, reportedly failed to agree personal terms with the striker due to his wage expectations. With the Blues now exploring other forward options, and Arsenal also focusing on younger, more versatile profiles, a move to either London club appears less likely unless compromises are made.
Manchester United, another club linked with Osimhen, are also said to be cautious. The Red Devils are under pressure to balance their wage bill and reduce spending following years of heavy investment without corresponding success.
Character Concerns and Past Clashes
Beyond financial concerns, Osimhen’s reported clashes with several coaches throughout his career are also being weighed heavily by interested clubs. The striker has had public fallouts with figures such as former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti, interim boss Rudi Garcia, and most recently, Nigeria’s now-departed national team head coach, Finidi George.
These incidents have raised red flags about Osimhen’s attitude and relationship with authority—factors that Premier League clubs are analyzing carefully as they seek not just talent, but also dressing room cohesion.
Ornstein noted during his podcast appearance that club executives in England are “fully aware of Osimhen’s potential but are increasingly cautious due to behavioral concerns and the potential impact on squad dynamics.”
While Osimhen remains immensely popular among fans and is known for his charisma and passionate playing style, the pattern of conflicts has led some clubs to hesitate before committing to a marquee deal.
Osimhen’s Perspective: A Dream Yet to Be Fulfilled?
From Osimhen’s point of view, a move to the Premier League has long been considered a dream step forward. The striker has previously expressed admiration for English football and has often spoken about his desire to test himself at the highest level. However, his unwillingness to lower wage demands may now be the key factor delaying that dream from becoming reality.
With the summer transfer window now open, Osimhen and his representatives face a delicate balancing act—finding a club capable of matching his salary while also addressing growing skepticism over his temperament and fit within a team environment.
If no move materializes, a return to Napoli could be on the cards, although relations between player and club are reportedly strained. Other options in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, have also been floated, but interest there is believed to be limited as those clubs pursue alternative targets.
What’s Next for Osimhen?
With the 2025/26 season fast approaching, time is ticking for Osimhen to secure his next destination. His market value remains high, and there is no doubt that he would improve almost any top team in Europe on the field. However, in an era where character, discipline, and financial discipline weigh heavily on club decisions, talent alone may not be enough.
Unless Osimhen is willing to revise his expectations—or a club decides to gamble on his undeniable potential—the Nigerian forward may find himself in limbo once again this summer.
