Now Reading: Fonte: Chelsea’s Failure to Sign Osimhen Was “Foolish”
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Fonte: Chelsea’s Failure to Sign Osimhen Was “Foolish”
Former Premier League defender, Jose Fonte, has expressed his bewilderment at Chelsea’s decision to pass on the opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen. Fonte believes the Nigerian striker possesses the qualities to become a modern-day Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge and that Chelsea will rue their missed opportunity.
Osimhen, who has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, was linked with a move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window of 2024. However, the Blues opted against triggering his £113 million release clause, and Osimhen ultimately joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli.
Fonte, speaking to BoyleSports, didn’t mince his words, stating, “Chelsea are crying out for a striker like Victor Osimhen. As a striker, he could be another Didier Drogba for them. He has pace, power, and technical quality. He wins his duels and is such a handful for defenders.”
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Having faced Osimhen in the Champions League, Fonte has firsthand experience of the striker’s capabilities and is convinced he would flourish in the Premier League. “When I saw Victor Osimhen go to Galatasaray, I thought it was foolish that no Premier League club had signed him,” Fonte said. “Once Osimhen gets into the Premier League, I think he will bully defenders. He is aggressive, fast, clever, and powerful.”
Despite missing out on a move to Chelsea, Osimhen remains a target for other Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly monitoring his progress. Fonte, a strong admirer of the Nigerian’s talent, believes it’s only a matter of time before Osimhen makes his mark in England.
“I can’t wait to see him in the Premier League because he’s one of those guys that you want to see against the very best,” Fonte concluded. “We will see that this is where he belongs.”
With Chelsea continuing to struggle for goals, their failure to secure Osimhen’s signature could prove to be a costly error, especially if he continues to shine in the Turkish Super Lig and subsequently secures a high-profile transfer elsewhere.
