Ex-Chelsea player tells club to prioritise defense over signing Victor Osimhen

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has advised the Blues to focus on bolstering their defense over pursuing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The January transfer window is closing in and Osimhen, once again, has become the topic of discussion for top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, who could not sign the player last summer.

Speaking to Sportscasting, Wright-Phillips acknowledged Osimhen’s potential to excel in the Premier League but emphasized Chelsea’s need for experienced defenders, particularly after Thiago Silva’s departure.

“I think Victor Osimhen would be a top player in the Premier League, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that the striker position is where Chelsea should be prioritizing in the next few transfer windows,” Wright-Phillips said.

Recall Chelsea were previously linked with Osimhen before he moved to Galatasaray on loan from Napoli.

However, Wright-Phillips believes the club’s primary focus should be on strengthening their backline to address defensive vulnerabilities which have seen the Blues conceive goals in most of their games this season.

“They let Thiago Silva go, but they didn’t replace him. I think they need more experience in the defense rather than in the striker position right now.

“They are not struggling to score goals. That is not a problem for them right now,” he added.

Chelsea have scored 37 goals in 17 Premier League matches this season, but defensive lapses have cost them as well.

Wright-Phillips argued that reducing such mistakes could make Chelsea a more formidable side.

“The problem is they are conceding goals. If they can cut some of those mistakes, then again, we see a different Chelsea,” he concluded.