Osimhen: Hasselbaink’s 3 blunt reasons Premier League clubs must snub Galatasaray striker

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has cast fresh doubt over whether Victor Osimhen is the right fit for the English Premier League, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 27-year-old striker is attracting serious interest from several Premier League giants after another outstanding campaign with Galatasaray. Osimhen fired the Turkish champions to another Süper Lig title with his goals, once again proving why he is regarded as one of Europe’s deadliest centre-forwards.

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are all monitoring his situation ahead of the new season. However, while many clubs admire his goalscoring record, Hasselbaink believes the Premier League presents a very different challenge from leagues such as Serie A and La Liga.

Hasselbaink delivers blunt verdict on Osimhen

Despite the growing transfer battle, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is not convinced Osimhen would thrive in England.

Speaking about the Nigerian on Obi One Podcast hosted by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, Hasselbaink said,

“Then you’ve got Osimhen. And I know he’s your countryman, but I’m not convinced. I’m not convinced by Osimhen for the Premier League. For Spain? Yes. For Italy? Yes. But for the Premier League, I’m not 100% sure.”

Instead, the former Dutch international surprised many by backing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

Hasselbaink explained:

“I actually really like Nicolas Jackson. People look at me and say, ‘Really, Jimmy?’ Yes, I really like him because he brings so much energy to the team. His pressing from the front, his work rate… those things are vital for a successful team.”

Hasselbaink’s comments are interesting because Osimhen has consistently scored more goals than Jackson in recent seasons. Yet Hasselbaink believes modern Premier League football demands much more than finishing ability alone.

Why Hasselbaink prefer Jackson to Osimhen

Jackson’s pressing suits modern Premier League football

Hasselbaink’s biggest argument centres on pressing. He believes successful Premier League teams now expect their strikers to lead the press, force defenders into mistakes and help win possession high up the pitch.

According to the former striker, Jackson excels in this area. His willingness to chase defenders, close passing lanes and work tirelessly without the ball makes him valuable even when he is not scoring. For Hasselbaink, those qualities are essential in today’s Premier League, where teams often defend from the front before launching quick attacks.

Osimhen’s style may not fit England’s tempo

The second reason behind Hasselbaink’s doubts is the pace and physical intensity of English football. Although Osimhen is known for his explosive speed, aerial dominance and clinical finishing inside the penalty area, Hasselbaink believes Premier League defenders allow strikers very little time on the ball.

He feels Osimhen’s direct, traditional centre-forward style could become isolated if he is not heavily involved in pressing and link-up play. While the Nigerian has succeeded in Italy and Turkey, Hasselbaink believes adapting to England’s faster transitions and relentless tempo presents a different challenge altogether.

Team contribution matters as much as goals

Hasselbaink’s final point is that modern football values overall contribution as much as goals. He believes Jackson helps his teammates by making intelligent runs, stretching defensive lines and creating space for others to exploit. His defensive work also gives coaches greater tactical balance throughout a match.

Osimhen remains one of Europe’s most feared finishers, but Hasselbaink argues that goals alone are not enough in today’s Premier League. In his view, forwards who combine pressing, movement and defensive commitment are more likely to succeed over a long season.

Whether Premier League clubs agree remains to be seen.