The Nigerian forward’s European form has strengthened his standing, while former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld urges Tottenham to pursue him

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has received a significant boost to his growing reputation after ESPN ranked the Galatasaray forward ninth among the world’s best strikers, while former Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has urged Spurs to pursue the Nigerian.

Also read: Arsenal receive boost In £60m Osimhen chase

The Osimhen striker ranking places the 27-year-old among an elite group led by Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe second and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland third.

Osimhen was ranked one place above Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike and two places behind Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, underlining the regard in which his performances continue to be held despite a campaign affected by injuries and international commitments.

His standing has been built on sustained productivity in front of goal and an ability to create shooting opportunities through his pace, movement and physical presence.

ESPN noted that Osimhen has averaged at least four shots per 90 minutes in each of the past five seasons, a measure that reflects his persistent involvement in attacking situations.

His 2025/26 Champions League campaign provided an especially strong platform for the ranking.

Osimhen scored seven goals in the competition, including a crucial extra-time strike against Juventus as Galatasaray survived a dramatic comeback to progress to the last 16.

UEFA subsequently recorded Osimhen among the competition’s leading Nigerian performers, with 16 Champions League goals making him Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.

His European performances also helped demonstrate that his prolific record in Turkey can translate to the highest level of club football.

Galatasaray’s progress against Juventus was particularly memorable. After the Italian side had recovered from a three-goal first-leg deficit to level the tie at 5-5 on aggregate, Osimhen struck in extra time before Baris Alper Yilmaz added another goal to secure a 7-5 aggregate victory. UEFA named Osimhen Player of the Match.

The Nigerian’s importance to Galatasaray has also been reflected in the club’s domestic success.

He has helped the Turkish giants secure successive Super Lig titles, while his first season at the club ended with the league’s Golden Boot.

The following campaign was more complicated. Injury problems and international commitments restricted Osimhen to 19 league starts, although he still scored 15 league goals.

That record has not diminished interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been linked with the striker, although reported interest has yet to develop into a confirmed transfer.

The latest development has also prompted fresh discussion about a possible move to the Premier League.

Alderweireld believes Tottenham could benefit enormously from Osimhen’s proven goalscoring ability as the club continues its search for a reliable replacement for Harry Kane, who left Spurs for Bayern Munich in 2023.

“Victor Osimhen is a very good striker, and Tottenham Hotspur need a very good striker,” Alderweireld told Hajper. “They have lacked a top player there since Harry Kane, so I think that’s an area where they have to improve.”

The former Belgium international also highlighted Osimhen’s record across different leagues as evidence that he could adapt successfully to English football.

“Osimhen has scored everywhere he has played. He is going to get you goals, even in the Premier League,” Alderweireld said.

Alderweireld acknowledged, however, that Osimhen’s age could influence the thinking of clubs looking for a younger long-term investment.

The striker’s profile remains attractive because of the combination of experience, physicality and a proven record at international and European level.

His Champions League numbers provide further evidence of that pedigree. UEFA’s 2025/26 statistics show Osimhen ranked second in the competition for attempts on target, with 25, behind only Mbappe’s 30.

That statistic complements the qualities that have made Osimhen one of Africa’s most prominent forwards: aggressive movement behind defensive lines, aerial ability, speed and an instinct for finding scoring positions.

For Tottenham, any pursuit would also come against competition from several major European clubs, while Galatasaray would have a strong incentive to retain a forward who has become central to its domestic and European ambitions.

For Osimhen, the ESPN ranking represents another powerful endorsement of a career that has taken him from Nigeria’s youth ranks to the top level of European football.

Also read: Galatasaray rejects £111m Osimhen bid

At ninth, he remains outside the very top tier occupied by Kane, Mbappe and Haaland, but the recognition places him firmly among the world’s leading strikers and keeps the spotlight firmly on his next career move.