Nigeria: Former Liverpool winger tips Osimhen as game-changer for Chelsea
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has expressed his belief that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen would be a game-changer for Chelsea if the Blues are successful in signing him. Osimhen has been consistently linked with a transfer to Chelsea over the past two years, thanks to his impressive performances for Napoli and Galatasaray.
Pennant, who played for Liverpool from 2006 to 2009, believes that Osimhen’s goal-scoring ability would make him an invaluable asset to Chelsea. “He would change things for Chelsea without a doubt,” Pennant told Talk Sports. “He knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. His numbers are flying in, his numbers are great.”
Pennant compared Osimhen’s goal-scoring ability to that of Chelsea’s current striker, Jackson, who has struggled to convert chances into goals. “I’m gonna look back to Jackson and how many chances he gets a game, but the conversion rate isn’t great,” Pennant said. “He can have three or four clear-cut chances and he won’t put any of them away. You’re scratching your head, thinking about how have Chelsea come away with a draw or a loss.”
Pennant believes that Osimhen’s presence would boost Chelsea’s chances of winning silverware. “I think someone like Osimhen, who is prolific in front of goal, would boost Chelsea or boost any team,” he said.
Osimhen has been the subject of transfer speculation since last season, following his fallout with his parent club Napoli. While he is reportedly open to a move to Manchester United, Juventus are also said to be preparing a player-plus-cash deal to sign the Nigerian international.
Chelsea, who had their offer turned down by Osimhen last summer, are also said to be interested in making a new offer for the striker. Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray, where he has been in impressive form, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists in 20 Super Lig games.
The 26-year-old striker is currently on international duty with Nigeria, where he scored a brace in their 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday. The victory boosted Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
