Ghana legend wants Osimhen at Man United as Mikel urges Chelsea to move for Nigeria star

Two of Africa’s most respected football icons, Asamoah Gyan and John Obi Mikel, have offered contrasting views on where Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen should take his next major career step, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Ghana legend Gyan is backing an Osimhen move to Manchester United while former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea should act quickly to secure the striker’s signature.

Osimhen, currently playing for Turkish giants Galatasaray after completing a permanent move from Napoli last summer, continues to enhance his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable and explosive forwards.

The 27-year-old has already scored 12 goals in 16 games this season and remains Nigeria’s attacking reference point, with 35 international goals putting him within touching distance of Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing national record.

The former Lille forward has also enjoyed another fine Africa Cup of Nations tournament where his four goals and two assists powered Nigeria to the semifinals.

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Gyan wants Osimhen at Manchester United

Speaking in an interview with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Asamoah Gyan did not hide his admiration for the Nigerian striker, describing Osimhen as his favourite modern-day forward and a player built for the biggest stage.

“Victor Osimhen, He loves scoring goals, and he plays with the heart, you know, gives everything,” Gyan said.

The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker, who retired as Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances and remains Africa’s top scorer in World Cup history with six goals, admitted he was surprised that Europe’s elite clubs had not moved more aggressively for Osimhen in the last transfer window.

“I like those kinds of strikers, and I’m surprised the big clubs didn’t come for him this transfer window.

“But hopefully I’m feeling for Manchester United too. If only he wanted to come because of their history and everything. If only he wants to come,” he added.

Mikel: “Chelsea need him”

While Gyan dreams of seeing Osimhen in red at Old Trafford, John Obi Mikel is convinced Stamford Bridge is where the Nigerian belongs.

The former Chelsea midfielder, who remains a vocal supporter of the club, believes Osimhen is the missing piece in the Blues’ evolving attack and has urged the West London side to make a decisive move.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Obi Mikel said: “Victor Osimhen. He can stretch the play, he can run behind, he can come short, he can score goals, he can do everything.

“You need that experienced striker who’s been there, done it, knows how to win big games, knows how to score in big games, knows how to be in the right place at the right time.”

Osimhen has been linked with the Premier League before and has already proven himself in France and Italy before continuing his scoring run in Turkey. Many observers believe he is ready, and deserving, of a return to Europe’s very top table.

With Chelsea still searching for a consistent, authoritative presence up front, Osimhen’s profile fits the bill. The Nigerian would represent a clear upgrade on several of their current attacking options.

However, Osimhen’s immediate focus is trained on international duty. He is set to feature in Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca this Saturday.