As the summer transfer window opens, speculation continues to swirl around the future of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Widely regarded as one of the most lethal finishers in world football and a crown jewel of African talent, Osimhen should, in theory, be a priority target for top European clubs. Yet, despite links to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, a big-money move remains elusive.
Behind the scenes, several key factors are causing Europe’s top sides to pause before making a commitment. Unless these issues are addressed, Osimhen risks remaining a world-class talent stuck in transfer limbo.
1. Sky-High Wage Demands
The first and most pressing issue is Osimhen’s salary expectations. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Napoli forward is seeking a net annual salary of €12 million—roughly €500,000 per week. That would place him among the top earners in world football, on par with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
While Osimhen’s quality is undeniable, few clubs are in a position to justify such a financial outlay. Teams like Real Madrid and PSG can afford those wages, but they already have centre-forwards or are targeting more economical alternatives.
It’s worth noting that Osimhen previously rejected a €35 million per year offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, showing money isn’t his only motivation. Still, if he’s serious about staying in Europe and playing in the Champions League, some flexibility on salary may be required. As it stands, his wage demands are effectively pricing him out of his own ambitions.
2. An Unpolished Inner Circle
In the world of modern football, a player’s off-field brand is as crucial as their on-field performance. Clubs not only sign talent—they invest in image, stability, and marketability. Unfortunately, Osimhen’s entourage has drawn criticism for projecting an image of disorder.
Reports have surfaced about his inner circle—including influencers and social media personalities—making statements on his behalf, drawing public attention, and inadvertently shaping narratives that suggest instability. A Turkish pundit recently even questioned how much Osimhen spends on his entourage, hinting that it could be linked to his high wage demands.
Though these associates may not mean harm, their visibility and actions reflect directly on the player. For a club weighing a €100 million investment, even the perception of off-field drama is a red flag. Osimhen must take greater control of his personal brand and those who represent it publicly.
3. Representation That May Be Holding Him Back
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has done a commendable job overseeing the player’s rise from Lille to Napoli. However, navigating the upper echelons of European football demands more than solid agency work—it requires elite deal-making and strategic branding.
Today’s blockbuster football moves are orchestrated by mega-agencies and PR-savvy representatives who control narratives, influence media, and hold deep ties with executives across Europe. In contrast, Osimhen’s team may lack the clout and finesse needed to land him in the right club, on the right terms, with the right long-term vision.
If his current representation isn’t resonating with football’s power brokers, it may be time for Osimhen to consider expanding or restructuring his management. The stakes are too high to rely solely on traditional methods in a modern, cutthroat market.
A Cautionary Tale in the Making?
Victor Osimhen remains one of the most explosive strikers in global football, and at 25, he’s entering his prime. But unless key off-field factors—salary expectations, representation, and personal brand—are recalibrated, he could miss his moment to secure a legacy-defining move.
Clubs aren’t just buying goals; they’re buying image, stability, and the promise of a trouble-free return on investment. If Osimhen can address these concerns, there’s no doubt he’ll become the marquee signing he deserves to be. Until then, the waiting game continues.
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