Lineker apologises as 2 Chelsea decisions questioned – 'Shouldn't spout rumours'

Victor Osimhen has been in sensational form for Galatasaray this season, having scored the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League, and Gary Lineker has backtracked on his previous verdict

Gary Lineker has been compelled to offer a humble apology to former Chelsea target Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted forwards in recent campaigns.

Chelsea, Manchester United and other Premier League contenders have been amongst the clubs reportedly pursuing him. There were suggestions they might reignite their pursuit during the latest transfer window. Ultimately, both strengthened their attacking options with different acquisitions, whilst Osimhen secured a permanent switch to Turkish powerhouses Galatasaray.

He has maintained his impressive goalscoring form since, with his most recent effort proving the decisive strike against Liverpool in the Champions League.

This has prompted Alan Shearer to voice his astonishment that clubs weren't more eager to secure his signature.

On The Rest Is Football podcast, he questioned two Chelsea signings that were made ahead of potentially signing Osimhen, and said: "When you look at the deal that have been done this summer in terms of centre-forwards, with Gyokeres, with Sesko, with Woltemade.

"I was really surprised that no one took a punt on him. Joao Pedro going to Chelsea. [Liam] Delap going to Chelsea."

Pedro and Delap set Chelsea back a total of £90m this summer, with the latter moving from Ipswich for £30m before sustaining a hamstring problem last month, whilst the former commanded £60m following his switch from Brighton.

Meanwhile, Lineker has issued an apology to Osimhen for failing to fully recognise the extent of his abilities. He added: "I remember I intimated that perhaps he – I heard a rumour that he goes missing sometimes, and I believe that is actually completely not the case.

"I'm sorry about that. You shouldn't spout rumours on these things. My bad, my bad on that."

Shearer then once again expressed his bewilderment at the lack of competition Galatasaray faced when trying to secure Osimhen's signature.

He said: "Whether it was anything to do with salary, whether it's agent fees or whatever, Galatasaray, they broke their record for him. I mean, they paid what, €75million I think for him, which is £60million.

"When you think in the grand scheme of things, with what's being paid for other strikers, with his record – I mean his record is fantastic. I was surprised."

Lineker responded: "I saw him play against Leicester in the competition a few years ago, in Europe, and he was exceptional. You really get a feel for somebody when you're in a stadium. He's quick, he's tall, he's a good finisher, he's brilliant in the air, he's a hell of a player."

Osimhen originally joined Galatasaray on loan last season following a falling-out with parent club Napoli.

He netted a record 37 goals across all competitions before making his switch permanent. The striker has bagged three goals in five outings so far this campaign.