Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi has shed light on why Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Chelsea failed to materialize during the summer transfer window. Despite late efforts by the Premier League club, the deal was not completed, leaving Osimhen disappointed.
In his podcast, The Obi One Podcast, Mikel clarified the situation, dismissing rumors that Osimhen’s wage demands were the reason for the breakdown of negotiations. “I know the boy. He’s not greedy,” Mikel said, refuting claims that Osimhen was asking for an extraordinary salary.
Victor Osimhen never asked for £500,000 a week from Chelsea. He is not greedy, he only wants to play football and get what he deserves – Mikel Obi pic.twitter.com/sTOQgl2fVK
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) September 9, 2024
Chelsea’s Last-Minute Push for Osimhen
Chelsea had hoped to secure Osimhen’s signature on deadline day, with Napoli reportedly accepting an €80 million ($88.5 million) offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. However, Osimhen, one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, was hesitant about leaving European football for Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea’s bid to bring the Nigerian striker to Stamford Bridge came close to completion, but Mikel Obi revealed that time was not on their side. “Both sides had to compromise. We were hours away, but some paperwork, medical, and minor details couldn’t be sorted out in time,” Mikel explained.
He also emphasized how much Chelsea wanted Osimhen, and how the 24-year-old striker himself was eager to make the move to London. “Victor was disappointed it didn’t happen. I spoke to him after the transfer window closed. He’s a strong character, much like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa—strikers who can intimidate defenders,” Mikel added.
Refuting Wage Demands Rumors
Throughout the transfer saga, reports surfaced that Osimhen demanded a salary of £500,000 per week, a figure Chelsea could not meet. However, Mikel firmly denied these rumors. “I hear people saying he’s greedy, but that’s not true. Victor just wanted what he deserved. There was no crazy demand from his side. He just wants to play football and be paid fairly.”
According to Mikel, the negotiations were close to being finalized, with Chelsea and Osimhen’s camp working hard to find common ground. “It wasn’t about money; it was just a matter of minor issues that we couldn’t get past in time,” Mikel stated.
Chelsea Still Hopeful
Despite the failed summer move, Mikel hinted that the door remains open for Chelsea to pursue Osimhen in future transfer windows. “There are no issues between Victor and Chelsea. If we need to pick this up in January or next summer, we know where we left off,” Mikel said.
The Chelsea legend expressed his confidence that Osimhen would be a perfect fit for the club. “He’s one of the best strikers in the world and Africa’s best player. I’m not saying this because he’s my friend or fellow Nigerian, but because I know what he can bring to the club.”
Osimhen’s Galatasaray Move
While Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen was unsuccessful, the striker did not remain at Napoli. Osimhen has since secured a season-long loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he has already begun making an impact. His move includes a £75 million release clause and a January exit option, should a bigger club come knocking.
Following his move to Galatasaray, Osimhen expressed excitement about the next chapter in his career. “I’m really super excited to be part of the Galatasaray family. I can’t wait to give my all for this club and make the most of this new journey,” he said.
Osimhen also made an instant return to form with the Super Eagles, scoring in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin Republic in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Future of Osimhen
While Osimhen’s immediate future lies in Turkey, his next major move remains a point of speculation. Chelsea still harbors hopes of bringing him to Stamford Bridge in the future, a move that could solidify their attacking options. Mikel’s personal involvement in the negotiations highlights how highly both he and Chelsea rate Osimhen, and his belief that the Nigerian forward would be a game-changer for the Blues remains firm.
For now, Osimhen will focus on performing for Galatasaray and maintaining his top form for Nigeria, while fans of Chelsea and other elite European clubs eagerly watch his development.
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