Super Eagles and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has revealed Victor Osimhen’s interest in the Premier League, likening the Galatasaray forward to Erling Haaland, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old forward was linked with several English top-flight clubs, most notably Chelsea, across two summer transfer windows.
Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on a four-year deal for 75 million euros, putting a temporary hold on a move to England.
Bassey lauds Osimhen, reveals PL dream
Osimhen and Bassey stood despite Nigeria’s poor run in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. While the Galatasaray forward was putting the ball into the back of the net, the Fulham defender was preventing it on the other end.
Bassey revealed he had discussions with the former Napoli striker during the summer transfer window about a move to the Premier League, but ultimately, the move didn’t materialise.
“He’s unbelievable. What he does for the country, what he’s done in the UEFA Champions League, it’s amazing, you know,” the former Ajax defender said in an interview with Stadium Astro.
“Deadly striker, I was kind of happy and sad at the same time that he didn’t come to the Premier League because I think it would’ve been good for him, but I’m happy I don’t have to play against him.
“Yes, [we did discuss his Premier League aspirations], of course.
“He doesn’t give too much away, but he said he was interested in the Premier League.
“It’s a good league, the most watched league in the whole world, so most players would want to come to the Premier League or experience it at some point, but he’s at a massive club now, and he’s doing amazing.
Bassey likes Osimhen to Haaland
Like Haaland for City, the former Rangers man revealed Osimhen replicates the same when playing for club and country, revealing their distinct attributes.
“They’re both strikers, of course, they’re different. They’re both strong, very fast, and you always have to be on guard because at any time they can hurt you.
“You always have to be ready in the right position, know where they are, and they’re also one of those players that can physically take a lot out of you.
“I don’t think I can answer that because I’m about to play against one and I play with the other one, but maybe there’s bias, you could say Osimhen is harder to play against.
“Haaland isn’t easier either. Both of them are hard to play against. They’re both at the same level, I can’t choose,” the 25-year-old concluded.
Barring any injuries, Bassey and Osimhen should make Eric Chelle’s AFCON 2025 squad list. On the other hand, Haaland led Norway to the World Cup for the first time in 27 years.
