Former Bayern Munich and Italy striker Luca Toni has urged Juventus to think carefully before pursuing Victor Osimhen, suggesting the Nigerian may not be the right fit for Thiago Motta’s tactical setup, Soccernet.football reports.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, will be available in the summer transfer window due to a €75 million release clause. Despite reported interest from Manchester United in January, the 26-year-old opted to stay in Turkey.
With Juventus among the clubs expected to vie for his signature, director Cristiano Giuntoli—who initially brought Osimhen to Napoli in 2020—is reportedly eager to reunite with the striker in Turin, particularly if Dusan Vlahovic departs for a significant transfer fee.
Victor Osimhen scores his first career goal against Juventus. That was his 12th goal of the season in all competitions.
Gives Napoli a vital lead. pic.twitter.com/zeohNR3AuQ
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 13, 2023
However, Toni, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, has expressed doubts over Osimhen’s compatibility with Juventus under Motta.
“At the end of the season, everyone will have to make assessments, starting with Juventus, who must decide what kind of striker they want to rely on,” Toni told Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia.
“Osimhen offers more depth than Vlahovic but perhaps links the play even less than Dusan. So, I’m unsure if it would make much difference for Thiago Motta.”
Despite Toni’s concerns, Osimhen’s track record in Serie A makes him a compelling target. He was instrumental in Napoli’s historic 2023 title triumph, scoring 26 league goals and securing the Serie A Golden Boot – the first by an African. However, his relationship with the club soured the following season, leading to his loan move to Galatasaray.
The Nigerian has since rediscovered his form in Turkey, notching 17 goals and five assists across all competitions. His 12 goals and four assists in 16 league matches have powered Galatasaray to the top of the Turkish Super Lig, where they hold a six-point lead over Fenerbahce.