Osimhen, linked to Manchester United, may switch clubs as Chelle’s remarks spark speculation

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has intensified speculation about Victor Osimhen's next move after remarks made before Nigeria’s friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, Afrik Foot reports.

The Franco‑Malian coach recently guided the Green and Whites to consecutive Unity Cup victories, including a 3‑0 triumph over Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at the Valley in London.

Chelle’s squad was missing several first‑team players such as Ndidi, Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze, the latter of whom had recently buried his mother.

New faces like Femi Azeez, Arthur Okonkwo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibuike Nwaiwu proved they are ready to represent the Super Eagles at the highest level when called upon.

Super Eagles stars. Copyright: xToyinxOshodixImago

Eric Chelle hints at Osimhen’s Galatasaray exit

Nigeria will face Poland on Wednesday at Stadion Narodowy before playing Portugal next week as both teams finalise preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Eric Chelle confirms that Ademola Lookman & Victor Osimhen won’t be available for the Poland & Portugal friendlies. pic.twitter.com/UlHCntxG1r

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 31, 2026

Chelle said he will be without several players, mainly because of visa issues. He noted that Lookman will miss the matches due to fatigue, while Osimhen requested to be left out so he can focus on a transfer that is about to be finalised.

“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club, so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” the coach said.

“For Lookman he is very tired and Atletico ask us to excuse him.”

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xYagizxGurtugx IMAGO

Manchester United and Juventus alert

According to Football Italia, Juventus had previously approached Napoli for Osimhen, but Di Laurentiis declined to sell, citing the club’s recent loss of Gonzalo Higuain to their rivals and a reluctance to sell key players to the Old Lady.

Galatasaray defeated Juventus in the Champions League play‑offs of the just‑concluded season, and Osimhen revealed he was close to a move to Turin, but the decision was left to the “powers that be.”

“If it’s possible for me to come to Italy, Juventus would be a club I’d enjoy playing for a lot,” the former Napoli striker said to Futbol Arena.

“However, I’m very happy at Galatasaray right now. I love Galatasaray a lot. I’m having a great time. I’m sweating for a club I’m deeply attached to from the heart.”

“Of course, what happens in the future is unknown. 90% of players in the world would want to play for Juventus. I could say, why not.”

Manchester United. Copyright: xConorxMolloyx Imago

Meanwhile, Caught Offside reports that Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attack despite Sesko’s solid numbers.

The Red Devils want to offload Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee and already have a list of options to replace the former Bayern Munich striker.

Crystal Palace’s Jean‑Philippe Mateta is seen as a low‑risk option to compete with Sesko for minutes at Old Trafford, while Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen is viewed as the ideal striker who could make Carrick’s men title contenders again.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex IMAGO

However, bringing him to the Theatre of Dreams would be costly, especially as the club still needs to fill major midfield positions following Casemiro’s departure.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer