Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has advised the Blues to reconsider prioritising Victor Osimhen in the upcoming transfer windows.
Wright-Phillips, speaking to Sportscasting, expressed admiration for Osimhen’s ability but suggested Chelsea focus on addressing their defensive vulnerabilities, especially after failing to replace Thiago Silva, whose departure in the summer left a significant gap in the backline.
“I think Victor Osimhen would be a top player in the Premier League,” Wright-Phillips remarked. “But I wouldn’t necessarily say that the striker position is where Chelsea should be prioritising in the next few transfer windows. They let Thiago Silva go but didn’t replace him. I think they need more experience in the defence rather than in the striker position right now.”
This statement comes amidst ongoing speculation linking Osimhen to a Premier League move. Chelsea were among the clubs interested in the Nigerian striker before he secured a season-long loan to Turkish champions Galatasaray from Napoli in the summer.
The 25-year-old has since been in impressive form, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists across all competitions for Galatasaray, which further fuel transfer interest from top European clubs, including Manchester United.
Despite his praise for Osimhen, Wright-Phillips pointed out Chelsea’s primary concern: “They are not struggling to score goals. That is not a problem for them right now. The problem is they are conceding goals. If they can cut some of those mistakes, then again, we see a different Chelsea.”
Chelsea’s defensive woes have been evident this season, with lapses at the back costing them crucial points.
While Osimhen’s arrival would undoubtedly boost their attacking options, Wright-Phillips believes stability at the back should take precedence for now.
The Nigerian forward remains one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, with his loan move to Galatasaray only intensifying his market value.
However, as Chelsea weighs its options, the club’s focus may shift from attacking prowess to rebuilding a defence capable of restoring their dominance in England and Europe.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
