'Why is he in Turkey?' - Watford icon Deeney amazed a goalscorer like Osimhen isn't at an elite club

Watford legend Troy Deeney has expressed surprise that former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen is not playing for one of Europe's top clubs.

The Nigeria international made a return to Galatasaray during the summer transfer window, following a remarkable loan spell in the 2024-25 season in which he scored 37 goals across all competitions, inspiring The Lion to a domestic double.

Despite being heavily linked with European powerhouses such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, Osimhen opted to make his move to Galatasaray permanent in a record-breaking €75 million deal. 

Reports suggest that Europe's elite sides were deterred by his transfer fee and wage demands.

Since rejoining the Turkish champions, Osimhen has continued his scintillating form under manager Okan Buruk, netting an impressive six goals in three UEFA Champions League appearances this season.

Deeney is puzzled that a striker of Osimhen's calibre is representing a club currently ranked outside UEFA's top 45, below sides such as FC Copenhagen, Bodo/Glimt and AZ Alkmaar.

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. For me, you need a goalscorer in your team."

In Deeney's opinion, Osimhen currently ranks as the seventh best striker in world football, behind Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, Atletico Madrid's Julián Álvarez and Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez.

Completing Deeney's top ten are Premier League forwards Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) and Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), ranked eighth, ninth and tenth respectively.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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