AFCON 2025
Former Southampton defender Jose Fonte has criticized Chelsea for their failure to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during the January transfer window.
Osimhen, who was heavily linked to Chelsea, ultimately joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli.
Fonte believes that Osimhen could have been a game-changer for Chelsea, drawing comparisons to Blues legend Didier Drogba.
“Chelsea are crying out for a striker like Victor Osimhen,” Fonte told BoyleSports.
“Look at Chelsea and all the greats they have had up front. As a striker, he could be the next Didier Drogba for them. He is a winner.”
Fonte acknowledged their different styles but insisted Osimhen would thrive in Maresca’s team.
“They have a different style of play, and Drogba is a legend, but [Osimhen] has pace, power, and technical quality. He wins his duels and is such a handful for defenders.”
Fonte expressed his surprise that no Premier League club, including Chelsea, signed Osimhen.
“When I saw Victor Osimhen go to Galatasaray, I thought it was foolish that no Premier League club had signed him.”
He predicted that Osimhen will excel in the Premier League once he joins.
“Once Osimhen gets into the Premier League, I think he will bully defenders. He is aggressive, fast, clever, and powerful.”
