Troy Deeney surprised Osimhen not playing for top European club

Watford legend Troy Deeney has expressed surprise at Victor Osimhen’s current club situation.

The former Premier League striker questioned why the Nigerian forward is not playing for one of Europe’s top sides.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray following months of speculation over his future in the summer of 2025.

He spent a loan spell with the Turkish giants during the 2024–25 season, scoring 37 goals across all competitions.

The forward was previously linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and, at times, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Osimhen eventually completed a permanent move to Galatasaray for a reported fee of around €75 million.

He has already netted six goals in three UEFA Champions League appearances this season.

Deeney, speaking from his experience as a striker, is puzzled that Osimhen, whom he ranks as the seventh-best striker in the world, is not playing for a top club.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Deeney said, “Victor Osimhen is one guy we never can really understand. Why is he in Turkey? Why is he not at these big clubs?

“There’s something about him that says he’s a goalscorer, but clearly some other people don’t fancy [him]. For me, you need a goalscorer in your team.”

Deeney ranks Osimhen behind only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.

He believes the Nigerian international is superior to forwards such as Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Hugo Ekitike.