Former Chelsea star Florent Malouda has weighed in on the future of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, amid growing speculation over his next move, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward has once again become one of the most talked-about players ahead of the summer transfer window and has been linked with a move away from Galatasaray, with several top European clubs reportedly in the race for his signature.
Osimhen initially joined Galatasaray on loan in 2024 before the Turkish giants made the deal permanent for €75 million last summer, tying him down to a contract until 2029. Despite that, the 27-year-old could be on his way out of the club in the coming months.
Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea are long-term admirers and are expected to revive their interest this summer. Meanwhile, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also monitoring his situation as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Florent Malouda advises Victor Osimhen on next step
Since arriving at Galatasaray, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reached new heights, scoring 57 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions, including 20 this season. He also scored seven times in the UEFA Champions League this season, as the Turkish champions reached the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2013–14 campaign.
Ex-France international Florent Malouda, who enjoyed a successful spell at Chelsea in the Premier League, believes Osimhen has all the qualities needed to thrive in England and should consider making the move.
“Victor Osimhen can perform in the Premier League”, Malouda said on Snabbare, via Football.London.
“When you look at his mindset, his character, and his passion for the game, I think he belongs in the Premier League. Where would he fit? Each club has a different story, a different budget, contract conditions, and situations.
“But I think that's what's missing in his career now. He's done great in Italy, in France, and now in Turkey”, he added.
Osimhen previously received offers from Premier League clubs, particularly Chelsea, in the summer of 2024 when he wanted to leave Napoli, but a move failed to materialize.
He also rejected a mouthwatering contract from Saudi Arabia before moving to Galatasaray, but a move to the Premier League could now become a reality this summer.
“I think his next step is the Premier League and the Champions League, where he can play in a team that can win it. I would say Chelsea, and maybe Liverpool, are the clubs that would suit him way better than Manchester United.
“He is very energetic, he’s a leader, he is the kind of player that the fans would love”, the one-time Premier League winner concluded.
Osimhen: Top European clubs circle around Nigerian forward
With the summer transfer window approaching, Osimhen’s future remains one to watch closely as uncertainty surrounds his next move.
Galatasaray are reportedly holding out for a fee of around €150 million if they are to consider a sale, which could prove a stumbling block for many interested clubs especially when combined with his wages. At the same time, Osimhen has built a strong bond with the fans and it is not clear if he would be willing to leave.
However, interest has continued to grow, with European champions Paris Saint-Germain reportedly joining the list of suitors. Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid also remain in the picture as they all seek attacking reinforcements ahead of the upcoming campaign.
For now, Osimhen’s focus remains on helping Galatasaray secure a fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title and a second of his career, when they face Antalyaspor on Saturday at Rams Park.
The Cimbom missed the chance to clinch the title last weekend after suffering a 4–1 defeat to Samsunspor, but they now have another opportunity to seal the championship in front of their home fans.
