Former West Ham United and Southampton defender Jose Fonte has expressed disappointment over Chelsea’s failure to secure Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who was often linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

Chelsea had shown interest in Osimhen since last summer, but the club failed to bring him in. Instead, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli, a move that Fonte believes Chelsea will regret.

Fonte, who has played against Osimhen, praised the striker’s abilities, likening him to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. “Chelsea are crying out for a striker like Victor Osimhen,” Fonte said in an interview with BoyleSports. “He has the potential to be another Drogba for them. He’s a winner with pace, power, and great technical quality.”

Reflecting on Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray, Fonte was critical of Premier League clubs’ failure to sign him.

“When I saw Osimhen go to Galatasaray, I thought it was foolish that no Premier League club had signed him. He’s aggressive, fast, clever, and powerful, and once he’s in the Premier League, he’ll be a nightmare for defenders.”

Fonte also recalled playing against Osimhen in the Champions League, joking that Osimhen might have taken it easy on him, but still described the experience as a “nightmare.”