Nigerian Legend, Mikel Reveals Reason Behind Osimhen Failed Transfer
The reason why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s proposed move from Napoli to Chelsea fell through on deadline day has been disclosed by former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel.
A year after helping Napoli snap a 33-year league title drought with 26 goals in the 2022–2023 season, the 25-year-old—who had been strongly linked to The Blues and other suitors in France and Saudi Arabia—tried a transfer request to leave the club in frustration over his broken relationship with his Italian employers.
The current African Footballer of the Year, Obi revealed on his Obi One Podcast, was “very, very close” to joining Chelsea this summer. However, he denied rumors that Osimhen’s greed caused the deal to fall through.
The legend of Chelsea, who had said that Osimhen was the last missing piece to the puzzle at Stamford Bridge, refuted claims that his fellow countryman’s greed was the reason the sale fell through. Mikel remarked, “I hear a lot of people talking about Victor and how greedy he is, and things like that. ‘Take a pay cut and come to Chelsea,'” he stated.
Blah, blah, blah—that kind of thing. “I am familiar with the child. The boy is someone I know. All I want to say is that’s not accurate at all. Victor is not a money munger. He just wants to get what he deserves, and that’s not a problem; he’s not a greedy guy.”
It was claimed during the transfer window that Osimhen requested an unusual £500,000 per week in wages. Chelsea was eager to have a striker, but they were unable to match these expectations. Mikel vehemently denied these accusations. Mikel said, “No, he wasn’t asking for all this b******t.”
“I was right there in the thick of things, so I know what happened. I can thus assure everyone that this is untrue.It’s not a problem; all he wants to do is play football and get what he deserves.
It’s not an issue if a player knows his value and demands to be paid accordingly. Even though our discussions were really close, there were a few tiny obstacles that we were unable to resolve.”
“We had to come to an agreement, and I am aware of what the club offered him. We were unable to complete the sale because of a few minor problems with the paperwork, the medicals, and other technicalities.
A new release clause of £75 million with Napoli and a January break-out from Galatasaray should a major club show interest in buying him have since been agreed to by Osimhen, who has already departed Napoli for Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
The Nigerian scored a goal on Saturday to mark his comeback to competitive football and help the Super Eagles defeat Benin Republic 3-0 to begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.”
Being a member of the Galatasaray family excites me much. I’m eager to give this club everything I’ve got and to enjoy every second of this exciting new journey with the supporters and such a great bunch. Before playing in his debut Galatasaray game, Osimhen declared, “I’m ready to create unforgettable memories together.”
References and Citation
punchmetro.com – Why Osimhen, Chelsea deal collapsed – Mikel Obi
sportingnews.com – Why Victor Osimhen to Chelsea move fell apart: John Obi Mikel reveals the full story
snl24.com – African legend reveals why Osimhen-Chelsea move failed
tv360nigeria.com – Why Osimhen, Chelsea deal collapsed – Mikel Obi
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