Former Manchester City right-back and football pundit Micah Richards has voiced his surprise over Victor Osimhen’s decision to join Galatasaray on a permanent deal, arguing that the Super Eagles forward should be competing at one of Europe’s elite clubs, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The Turkish champions recently finalized the signing of Osimhen from Napoli in a landmark transfer reportedly worth €75 million. The 26-year-old had spent the previous season on loan at Galatasaray, where he lit up the Turkish Super Lig with 26 goals in 30 appearances, playing a key role in the club’s run to a record 25th league title.
Despite his stellar form, Richards believes the Nigerian international should be showcasing his talents at a more competitive level in European football.
“Osimhen signed a deal for four years at Galatasaray in Turkey. I can’t believe it,” Micah Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast.
“A top player like that should be playing. Galatasaray is a massive club, but in terms of European football, it could do better than that, in my opinion.
“He’d be a top-three No.9 in the Premier League. Fact. Joao Pedro is unbelievable, but you cannot say he’s better than Osimhen. Not a chance,” he added.
Osimhen had been a standout figure during Napoli’s 2022/23 Serie A title triumph and remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.
Oluwayemi Omolagba