“Chelsea didn’t happen” – Ex-Tottenham man Waddle urges Newcastle to swoop for Osimhen

Former Tottenham midfielder Chris Waddle has urged Newcastle United to make a strong move for Victor Osimhen this summer, insisting the Nigeria striker has all the qualities needed to shine in the Premier League, Afrik-Foot reports.

Osimhen has once again become one of the most talked-about names in the European transfer market, barely a year after joining Galatasaray in a club-record €75 million move. The Super Eagles forward enjoyed a remarkable campaign in Turkey, helping Galatasaray secure a 26th league title while also powering the club into the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League.

Despite growing interest from across Europe, Galatasaray are reportedly determined to keep hold of their prized striker. Reports in Turkey claim the Istanbul giants have placed a staggering €150 million valuation on Osimhen in an attempt to scare away potential buyers.

Victor Osimhen R of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team with Mauro Icardi L during the Turkish Super League derby match between Galatasaray and Besiktas at Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul , Turkey on October 28 , 2024. Photo by Seskimphoto Istanbul Turkey Istanbul Turkey Copyright: xSeskimphotox GSaray-Besiktas-281024 166

Even that figure has not stopped speculation linking the former Napoli star with several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea. Bayern Munich have also reportedly shown interest in bringing Osimhen back to Germany after his earlier spell with VfL Wolfsburg.

Newcastle icon Waddle convinced Osimhen can dominate EPL

Waddle believes Newcastle should attempt to move ahead of their rivals and bring the 27-year-old to St James’ Park. According to the former England international, the Magpies have still not properly replaced Alexander Isak, who reportedly joined Liverpool last summer.

A long-time admirer of Osimhen, Waddle praised the striker’s intensity, mobility and mentality after watching him several times in Turkey this season.

Gateshead v Charlton Athletic – Emirates FA Cup – Second Round – Gateshead International Stadium Former player Chris Waddle before the Emirates FA Cup Second Round match at the Gateshead International Stadium. Picture date: Friday December 3, 2021. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video e… PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRichardxSellersx 64107546

“I like Victor Osimhen,” Waddle wrote on the BoyleSports blog. “He works very hard. I’ve watched him five or six times this year in Turkey, and I like his work ethic. He’s a player who wants to win, and he works really hard to win. He always runs hard. He’s always wanting to put himself about. I was surprised he went to Turkey. I know he gets looked after over there, but he’s better than the Turkish league. I was very surprised when he was linked with Chelsea, but it didn’t happen. He was perfect for them and perfect for the Premier League.

“He’d still be a great fit for any team in the Premier League, and I’d like to get him in as the number nine for Newcastle, because he’s very consistent, very mobile, and a good technical player who’s good in the air, and his work rate’s great. If he were to become available, there would be at least five clubs trying to chase him down, let alone Newcastle. People say players peak at 28, 29, and 30, so he’s got plenty of time to play his best football in the Premier League. I just don’t know why he didn’t come to the Premier League the last time he was linked. Maybe the offer they made him at Galatasaray was too good with all the bonuses and add-ons.

“He looked every bit a Premier League forward, but it just didn’t happen, and it makes me wonder if he doesn’t want to play in the Premier League. Maybe he prefers it in Turkey, where, let’s be honest, there are only three or four teams and the rest of the league you easily beat. I thought after what he’d done at Napoli that he would want to test himself in the Premier League like most players do.”

Osimhen already holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s highest-scoring player in the histories of both the Italian Serie A and the Turkish Super Lig. Should he eventually complete a move to England, the striker could also set his sights on surpassing Yakubu Aiyegbeni as Nigeria’s highest Premier League goalscorer.