Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has shed light on the dramatic close call involving Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Chelsea this summer.
According to Mikel, the Nigerian striker was on the brink of joining the Blues, but a few last-minute issues thwarted the deal.
Transfer Drama Unfolds
Throughout the summer transfer window, there was significant buzz around Osimhen making a move to Chelsea, with the striker openly expressing his dream of playing in the Premier League.
However, as the deadline approached, the deal fell apart. Subsequently, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli.
Mikel Sets the Record Straight
Rumors circulated that Chelsea couldn’t agree to Osimhen’s high wage demands, but Mikel refutes these claims.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, he addressed the speculation directly.
“I’ve heard people talk about Victor being greedy, suggesting he should just take a pay cut to join Chelsea,” Mikel said.
“That’s absolutely not true. Victor isn’t greedy; he just wants to be paid what he deserves.”
Misconceptions About Osimhen’s Demands
There were reports that Osimhen was seeking a weekly salary of around £500,000, a figure Chelsea reportedly found difficult to meet.
Mikel dismissed these reports, emphasizing that Osimhen’s demands were exaggerated.
“He wasn’t asking for anything outrageous,” Mikel clarified.
“I was involved in the negotiations, and I can assure you that what people are saying isn’t accurate.
He just wants a fair deal for his talent.”
Mikel’s Behind-the-Scenes Efforts
Mikel, who has a close relationship with Osimhen, revealed he was deeply involved in trying to facilitate the transfer.
Their friendship dates back to 2017 when Osimhen made his debut for Nigeria’s national team under Mikel’s captaincy.
Reflecting on the transfer saga, Mikel noted, “We were incredibly close to finalizing the deal.
There were just some minor issues—paperwork, medicals, and other hurdles—that we couldn’t overcome in time.”
The Toll of Negotiations
The process took a toll on Mikel, who described how the intense efforts affected his schedule.
“I was in the middle of everything,” Mikel recounted.
“There were nights I didn’t sleep at all, especially as I was dealing with time zone differences from Dubai.
I was waiting for calls late into the night, sometimes sleeping only a few hours.”
Other Interested Parties
Chelsea wasn’t the only club vying for Osimhen.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli made a £55 million bid for the striker, but Osimhen turned them down.
Mikel mentioned that Osimhen had a clear preference: “Victor really wanted to come to Chelsea.
The club made significant efforts to show him how much they wanted him, sending representatives to Naples to discuss the deal.”
Osimhen’s New Chapter
After the deal with Chelsea fell through, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan, ending the transfer saga.
Despite the failed move to Chelsea, Osimhen expressed his excitement about his new club.
“When I learned of Galatasaray’s interest, it was an easy decision for me,” he told the club’s website.
“I know how significant Galatasaray is, with its incredible fan base and family-like atmosphere.”
What’s Next?
As Osimhen settles into his new role at Galatasaray, the football world continues to watch for any future developments regarding his career.
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