By Mustapha Habeeb
September 9th, 2024
Super Eagles legend and Chelsea former midfielder John Obi Mikel on his ‘Obi One Podacst’ had revealed why Victor Osimhen’s deal from Napoli to Chelsea didn’t go through on deadline day.
It was reported that the 25-year-old star who was linked to Chelsea and and many other top European clubs, tendered a transfer request to leave the club due to broken relationship between them after making a significant impact for Napoli to end their 33-year wait for 2022-23 season league title and he was recognized as Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals scored for the Italian side.
On Obi One Podcast, Mikel made it known that the Africa Star was very much closer to joining Chelsea this summer and revealed why the deal fell through.
The Chelsea man who had said Osimhen prowess was the last card of the team to succeed denied rumors that the deal failed to happen because of Oshimen greed.
Obi said: “I hear a lot of people saying this and saying that about Victor and how greedy he is, blah, blah, blah. ‘Take a pay cut and come to Chelsea’ blah, blah, blah, stuff like that.
“I know the kid. I know the boy. I just want to say that that is absolutely not true. Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy; he only wants to get what he deserves and that’s not a problem.” He stated.
Reports emerged during the transfer window that Victor Osimhen was seeking a staggering weekly salary of approximately £500,000, a sum that Chelsea, despite their interest in signing a striker, were unable to match.
However, John Obi Mikel has vehemently denied these claims, dismissing the notion that Osimhen’s huge salary demands were the reason for the failed transfer.
“No, he wasn’t asking for all this b******t,” Mikel asserted. “I know what happened; I was in the midst of everything. So I can tell everybody that is definitely not true.
“He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem. A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.
“Our negotiations were very, very close, but there were just some minor issues and small problems we couldn’t overcome. I know what the club offered him, and we had to reach a compromise. There were some small issues with paperwork, medicals, and other details that prevented us from finalizing the deal.”
Victor Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli, with a new £75m release clause and a January escape option if a top club makes an offer. Meanwhile, Osimhen made a scoring return to action, netting in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin Republic in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, marking a strong start to his loan spell.
“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 with such an amazing group and the fans. I’m ready to create unforgettable memories together,” Osimhen said.