Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is shielding Victor Osimhen ahead of a summer filled with transfer talks. The striker just led Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title with an impressive goal tally.
Manchester United are moving quickly in the summer market. The club hopes to complete most signings before their pre-season tour in the United States.
United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Reports now link Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as the next possible arrival at Old Trafford.
Manager Ruben Amorim wants to fix the team’s attacking problems. Rasmus Hojlund didn’t meet expectations last season, while Chido Obi still needs time to develop.
United also lost out on Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, increasing the urgency to land a new centre-forward before the 2025/26 season.
Victor Osimhen, 26, will return to Napoli after scoring 37 goals in 41 games for Galatasaray.
With one year left on his contract, he is not part of Antonio Conte’s plans.
Chelle expects top European clubs to chase Osimhen after his brilliant season in Turkey.
“Victor is the best striker in the world for me,” Chelle told BBC Sport Africa.
“He just finished a season full of pressure. Right now, he can’t be 100% focused.
I need to protect him, physically and mentally, because a move may happen.
It could be to Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, or Real Madrid.”
Notably, Chelle didn’t mention Saudi Arabia, a destination many have linked to the striker.
Osimhen’s Hunger Sets Him Apart
Osimhen ranks second on Nigeria’s all-time top scorers list with 26 goals. He sits just 11 behind the late Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37.
After winning the U-17 World Cup in 2015, Osimhen remains key to Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dreams.
“I’ve never seen a competitor like him,” Chelle said.
“He wants to win everything, even in training. When others finish, he stays back to keep scoring.
I think he even dreams of scoring.”
