Chelsea, Liverpool better for Victor Osimhen than Man United – Former France star

Former France international Florent Malouda believes the moment has finally arrived for Victor Osimhen to test himself in the Premier League after successful spells across Europe, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Lyon winger said the Nigeria striker would fit better at Liverpool or Chelsea than at Manchester United if he eventually leaves Turkish champions Galatasaray.

Osimhen has once again become one of the most discussed forwards in European football following another explosive campaign in Turkey. The Super Eagles star first arrived in Istanbul on loan in 2024 after a dramatic breakdown in relations with his former club Napoli. His performances convinced Galatasaray to complete a permanent €75 million transfer in 2025, tying him down until 2029.

The 27-year-old has continued to justify that investment. He has scored 20 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions this season, including seven goals in the UEFA Champions League as Galatasaray reached the Round of 16.

His form has attracted attention from several heavyweight clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Speaking to Snabbare via Football-London, Malouda said Osimhen already possesses the mentality and character needed to succeed in England.

“Victor Osimhen can perform in the Premier League,” Malouda said.

“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.”

Victor Osimhen: Premier League dream still alive

Osimhen has never hidden his desire to play in England. The striker has repeatedly described the Premier League as the ‘best and strongest league in the world’ and has openly admitted that playing there has been a lifelong ambition.

Part of that dream comes from his admiration for former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, whom he has often described as his childhood idol. Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has also publicly encouraged him to move to Stamford Bridge, insisting the striker wants to follow Drogba’s path in West London.

A move nearly happened during the summer of 2024 when Chelsea pushed hard to sign him before deadline day. However, negotiations collapsed late in the window amid disagreements over wages and financial terms.

Reports at the time suggested Osimhen’s salary demands ranged between £350,000 and £500,000 per week, while his release clause was valued at around €130 million.

That failed transfer eventually led him to Galatasaray, where he rebuilt momentum and rediscovered his sharpest form.

Malouda now believes Chelsea or Liverpool would bring out the best in him more than Manchester United.

“I think his next step is the Premier League and the Champions League, where he can play in a team that can win it,” he said.

“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.”

Despite signing a long-term contract in Turkey, speculation around his future continues to grow. Reports in recent weeks suggest Galatasaray could demand as much as €150 million before agreeing to any sale, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly prepared to challenge Premier League clubs financially once again.

Osimhen, though, would be keen to finish the season strongly in Turkey as Galatasaray look to wrap up the league title with a win over Antalyaspor this weekend.