Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has tipped Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to be a game-changer for Chelsea if they manage to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for the past two years, thanks to his outstanding performances for Napoli and Galatasaray. Despite the interest, the Nigerian striker rejected a move to the Premier League side last summer due to issues over personal terms.
Pennant believes Osimhen’s clinical finishing would make a massive difference for Chelsea, potentially leading the team to silverware. “He (Osimhen) would change things for Chelsea without a doubt. He knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. His numbers are incredible, his stats are great,” Pennant told Talk Sports.
He also compared Osimhen to Chelsea’s current striker, Nicholas Jackson, whose conversion rate has been questioned. “If you look at Jackson and the number of chances he gets in a game, the conversion rate isn’t great. He might have three or four clear-cut chances and miss them all,” Pennant added. “You’re left scratching your head, wondering how Chelsea ended up with a draw or a loss. Someone like Osimhen, who is prolific in front of goal, would boost Chelsea or any team.”
The 26-year-old 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 is also preparing a player-plus-cash offer for the Nigerian international in the summer.
Chelsea, who saw their offer rejected by Osimhen last summer, are said to be keen on making a new bid.
Currently on loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen has been in superb form, netting 20 goals and providing 4 assists in 20 Super Lig games for the league leaders. Across all competitions, he has 26 goals and 5 assists in 30 matches.
Osimhen is also on international duty with Nigeria, where he scored a brace in their 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday in Kigali, further boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
