Osimhen Open to Premier League Move, Says Bassey

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has revealed that Victor Osimhen is interested in playing in the Premier League, adding that the Galatasaray star is on the same level as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Osimhen had been strongly linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but both clubs were unable to meet his wage demands, while Napoli’s €75 million valuation also stalled negotiations.

After scoring 37 goals in 41 games in a breakout season, Osimhen returned to Galatasaray in the summer and has continued to shine for both club and country. Speaking to Stadium Astro, Bassey praised his Nigeria teammate, calling him “unbelievable” and noting that what he has done for the national team and in the Champions League is “amazing… a deadly striker.”

Bassey admitted he had mixed emotions about Osimhen missing out on a Premier League move. “I was kind of happy and upset… It would have been good for him, but I’m happy I don’t have to play against him,” he said.

When asked if the striker truly wants a move to England, Bassey confirmed Osimhen’s interest. “He said yes, he is interested in the Premier League… It’s a good league — the most-watched league in the whole world,” he said, adding that most players dream of experiencing it at least once.

Bassey, who previously faced Osimhen in the Champions League while at Ajax, also compared him to Haaland, whom he plays against regularly in the Premier League. He stressed that although they are different stylistically, both possess elite qualities. “They are both strong and very fast… They can hurt you at any time,” he said, adding that they are “both at the same level” and equally difficult to defend against.

Both players are expected to reunite soon as part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.