Top European Clubs Rejected Osimhen Over Character Concerns – Gary Lineker Alleges
Former England and Barcelona striker, Gary Lineker, has claimed that several top European football clubs backed out of signing Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen over concerns about his character despite the striker’s proven ability and high market value.
Speaking on his podcast, The Rest Is Football, Lineker revealed that a number of scouts and executives from elite clubs expressed unease about Osimhen’s off-pitch behaviour. According to him, while Osimhen’s talents are not in doubt, his perceived lack of professionalism has raised red flags in boardrooms across Europe.
“I heard from people in the game that Osimhen sometimes just disappears for days without explanation,” Lineker said, implying that such unpredictability contributed to the reluctance of clubs to finalise deals for the Super Eagles star.
Osimhen, currently contracted with Napoli, has been one of the most sought-after strikers in world football following his explosive form in Serie A. With a release clause of €130 million, he has been linked with high-profile moves to the Premier League and beyond. However, despite interest from clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, no concrete offers have materialised this summer.
Lineker’s remarks echo recent reports by football insiders such as David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, who noted that character-related concerns combined with Osimhen’s substantial wage demands have made some top clubs hesitant. It was revealed that his asking salary was well over £500,000 per week, which many clubs considered unsustainable, especially when paired with behavioural uncertainties.
Adding to the conversation, former Roma manager José Mourinho also reportedly advised caution, suggesting that while Osimhen is one of the best in the world in his position, he may not be the ideal fit for clubs prioritising strict discipline and reliability.
These claims have sparked widespread debate in Nigeria and among football fans globally. Many supporters and commentators have questioned whether the “character concern” tag is fairly applied, pointing to numerous examples of European stars with controversial histories who were still able to secure major transfers.
Some Nigerian fans have expressed outrage, describing the narrative as a double standard and suggesting that African players are often judged more harshly in matters of conduct. A few sports analysts have also hinted that such stories could be part of a larger attempt to lower Osimhen’s market appeal ahead of possible transfer negotiations.
As of now, Osimhen remains with Napoli, and there is no clear indication that a major transfer is imminent. Whether the rumours about his character will continue to impact his career trajectory remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Lineker’s comments have added fresh fuel to ongoing speculation about why Europe’s biggest clubs are hesitating to make a move for one of Africa’s most prolific strikers.
