Legendary footballer, Gary Lineker, has disclosed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s alleged inappropriate attitude contributed to some top European clubs not pursuing him.
He explained that based on information from certain sources, it was revealed that the player’s work ethic is not what they expect.
The veteran sports broadcaster noted that he was informed that the player could go missing for several days at the training camp for reasons known only to him.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker indicated that he cannot confirm the report authoritatively but believes it might be the reason many top clubs did not make a genuine effort to sign him despite his terrific form.
“I saw Osimhen play a couple of times against Leicester. He was so impressive, and I’ve followed his career because of that. He was absolutely brilliant for Napoli. I’ve heard through grapevine that the reason one or two of the clubs are a little hesitant is that he sometimes could go missing for a few days.
“So, apparently, there’s some kind of slight question mark as to his character in that sense. But whether it’s true or not, I cannot confirm it,” he said, as shared on X on August 5, 2025.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has signed a four-year deal with Turkish giants Galatasaray to permanently leave Napoli.
Watch Lineker’s remarks below:
“I do hear on the grapevine that a reason one or two of the clubs are a little bit nervous is that he sometimes can go missing for a few days. Apparently. there’s some kind of slight question mark as to his character in that sense…”
Gary Lineker speaking about Victor Osimhen. pic.twitter.com/JT88lFxnC9
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 5, 2025
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