Victor Osimhen had a message for Manchester United and Chelsea on Wednesday night after scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League. The 26-year-old played for Galatasaray, and the team won 3-0 against Ajax.
Osimhen has made a name for himself across Europe in recent seasons, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli before joining Galatasaray on loan in the summer of 2024. He finished his first season in Turkey with 37 goals in 41 games, and this season, after making the move permanent in July, he has scored nine times in 11 games.
Osimhen has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs in recent years due to his talent in front of goal.
The Nigeria international reportedly rejected interest from Manchester United and Arsenal after being offered an incredible salary by Galatasaray in the summer.
It was said that he had been in talks with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge before the start of the season, but a move to the Premier League failed to materialise, and he ultimately decided to continue his career in Turkey.
Osimhen has flourished in England, scoring his first Champions League goal of the season when his team defeated Liverpool in September.
He backed that up with a double in the Bodo/Glimt game last month. And the prolific goalscorer was in top form against Amsterdam as Galatasaray ran riot against Ajax.
Osimhen was a menace in front of goal throughout the game, but unfortunately he was denied twice by home keeper Remko Pasveer and was unable to score two goals in the first half.
But Galatasaray’s main man was finally rewarded with a cross from former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane in the dying minutes.
The number 45 then showed his determination and took two penalty kicks, the second spot kick flying into the top right corner of the net.
Osimhen has not only proven himself as a top finisher in recent years, but also shown that he can score from half-chances when he finds himself in difficult positions.
And he was clearly good under pressure, keeping his cool from 12 yards to go as the team’s primary penalty taker.
United and Chelsea may regret not signing the player in the latest summer transfer window. However, it is also entirely possible that both clubs are licking their lips at the prospect of signing him next year if the opportunity arises.
He would need a significant contract offer to leave Turkey, but if he continues his rich form in the Premier League, it will be money well spent.
