As the 2025 summer transfer window gains momentum, three prolific strikers—Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres, and Slovenia’s Benjamin Šeško—have emerged as hot targets for Europe’s elite clubs. PUNCH Sports Extra’s Pedro Peter takes a deep dive into the trio’s recent performances and the complexities surrounding potential moves.
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Victor Osimhen: Proven Goal Machine, Future Uncertain
Victor Osimhen’s time at Napoli has been turbulent in recent seasons. Following a fallout with the club hierarchy, the Nigerian striker was loaned out to Turkish giants Galatasaray for the 2024/25 season—where he thrived. Osimhen delivered a sensational campaign, netting 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His efforts powered Galatasaray to a domestic double, securing both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
Osimhen’s performances included 26 league goals, six in the UEFA Europa League, and five in the Turkish Cup, earning him the league’s Golden Boot. However, despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia, including a staggering €50m-per-year salary offer from Al Hilal, the Nigerian has declined to move to the Middle East.
In total, the 25-year-old has 151 goals and 36 assists from 264 club matches across Charleroi, Lille, Napoli, and Galatasaray. He has also scored 26 goals in 41 appearances for Nigeria. While his next move remains undecided, one thing is clear: Osimhen remains one of the most lethal forwards available this window.
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Viktor Gyökeres: Sporting’s Scoring Titan at a Crossroads
Viktor Gyökeres has exploded into one of Europe’s most feared strikers since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City in 2023. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded a jaw-dropping 108 goals and 20 assists, including 39 goals in 33 league games during the 2024/25 season.
Despite back-to-back Golden Boot awards and a Taça de Portugal title, Gyökeres finds himself in conflict with Sporting president Frederico Varandas. The striker claims the club reneged on a previous gentleman’s agreement that would allow him to leave for €70m (€60m fixed, €10m in add-ons). Varandas, however, is now demanding no less than €80m, prompting Gyökeres to boycott pre-season preparations.
The 27-year-old’s total tally stands at 182 goals and 50 assists in club football. Internationally, he’s scored 15 times in 26 appearances for Sweden. His pace, power, and adaptability make him a prime candidate for clubs seeking a physical yet versatile number nine.
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Benjamin Šeško: The Young Predator With Sky-High Potential
At just 21, Benjamin Šeško has already carved a name for himself among Europe’s most promising forwards. Since moving to RB Leipzig from Salzburg in 2023, the 6ft 5in Slovenian has improved his all-round game, combining aerial prowess with intelligent link-up play.
In the 2024/25 season, Šeško scored 21 goals in 45 matches across all competitions—a solid return that doesn’t fully capture his potential. With a non-penalty xG of 0.32 per 90 minutes and an actual output of 0.42 goals per 90, his finishing efficiency is notable.
Šeško has amassed 100 goals and 26 assists in his young career, including 16 goals in 41 appearances for the Slovenian national team. Although Arsenal have shown interest, Leipzig have placed a steep price tag—reportedly around €75m—which has temporarily slowed negotiations.
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Three Strikers, One Common Thread: Elite Potential
While each forward presents a different profile—Osimhen with his proven consistency, Gyökeres with his brute force and output, and Šeško with his youthful upside—the trio share one trait: the ability to transform a club’s attack. In an era where modern strikers must be versatile, creative, and efficient, these three are at the forefront of evolution.
Their price tags may be steep, but for clubs with ambition and resources, investing in Osimhen, Gyökeres, or Šeško could be the move that defines their season.