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

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes factors beyond transfer fees and wages may have influenced why Premier League clubs have yet to sign Nigeria international Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen has been linked with several of England’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, but none has completed a deal for the 27-year-old striker.

Speaking to GOAL, Cole acknowledged Osimhen’s goalscoring record and backed him to succeed in the Premier League, while stressing that clubs consider several issues when negotiating transfers.

“He does. He scores goals. He scored goals in Italy and he’s scoring goals in Turkey as well,” Cole said.

“But, you know, it depends. There are many different factors in signing a player from a respective country. It’s not all about just the salary or the transfer fee. There could be many different things that go on.”

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

The Nigerian scored 31 goals during that season and has maintained his impressive form since moving to Galatasaray. He has reportedly scored 65 goals in 78 appearances for the Turkish club.

His performances have continued to attract interest from Premier League clubs, with Manchester United repeatedly mentioned as a potential destination.

Former United defender Patrice Evra recently backed the club to sign Osimhen, describing him as the kind of striker the team needs.

“I think Osimhen is the best. He’s a perfect example,” Evra told GOAL.

Former France international Louis Saha has also encouraged United to pursue the striker, pointing to his goalscoring record, Champions League experience and success with Napoli and Galatasaray.

Despite the backing from former United players, the club have not made a move for Osimhen and instead signed Benjamin Šeško as their main out-and-out striker.

Osimhen remains under contract at Galatasaray, meaning any Premier League move would depend on future negotiations and the interest of potential suitors.

For Cole, however, Osimhen’s ability to succeed in England is not in question. The former United striker believes the circumstances surrounding a transfer can involve far more than a player’s salary or the fee required to sign him.