Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has advised Victor Osimhen on which clubs to consider if he leaves Galatasaray, explicitly warning him to avoid Manchester United.
Osimhen's Transfer Situation
Victor Osimhen has been on the radar of top European clubs since the summer of 2023 after helping Napoli win the Italian Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. An immediate move was delayed when he signed a contract extension with an improved salary, despite interest from Manchester United and others. That deal tightened Napoli's grip on him, causing moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to collapse in the summer of 2024.
He eventually joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan after being excluded from Napoli's Serie A squad. During his loan spell, he impressed with 37 goals and eight assists, prompting Galatasaray to sign him permanently for a record €75 million. Shortly after, interest from clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain spiked.
Odemwingie's Advice
Speaking on Brila FM, Odemwingie said, "I will say Arsenal and Barcelona will be good; these are mature clubs. Real Madrid is also class for him. Anywhere he goes, he will be able to move the ball nicely and make a call for the ball." He noted that Osimhen's aerial prowess suits Real Madrid's big pitch, while his height and strength make him suited to English football, but not Manchester United.
"I didn't name Manchester United because the wahala (problem) there is too much. The pressure on strikers is huge," Odemwingie added. "We have seen it with Romelu Lukaku and so many other strikers; they will always find a scapegoat because the club is so big and they want results."
Manchester United's Past Rejection
Manchester United previously rejected Osimhen, opting to sign Rasmus Hojlund, who later became Osimhen's replacement at Napoli. It remains unclear whether Galatasaray is willing to sell or if Osimhen wants to move despite the interest.
Salary Demands
Turkish pundit Serdar Ali Celikler revealed that Arsenal must offer a significant salary to convince Osimhen to leave Galatasaray, with the Turkish champions demanding a transfer fee exceeding €100 million after signing him for €75 million.
