Victor Osimhen’s unsuccessful summer transfer window attempt to join Chelsea was recently explained by former Super Eagles and Chelsea player John Mikel Obi, according to Vanguard. Mikel explained in an interview with The Obi One Podcast that the deal fell through because of little details and time restrictions, not Osimhen’s wage demands, as some publications had claimed.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Chelsea had made a late attempt to secure Osimhen’s signature before the transfer window closed, with reports indicating that Napoli had accepted an €80 million ($88.5 million) bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli on deadline day. Despite this, Osimhen was reportedly hesitant to leave European football.
Mikel revealed that both Chelsea and Osimhen had to make compromises during the negotiations. “I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to; we finally got to a compromise,” Mikel stated. “Both sides had to compromise, I was just some little things here and there, paperwork, medical, and a few issues we just couldn’t get over the line, and we didn’t have much time.”
The former Chelsea midfielder praised both parties for their efforts, acknowledging Chelsea’s ambition and Osimhen’s desire to join the Premier League club. Mikel also shared that he had a 20-minute conversation with Osimhen after the transfer window closed, offering support and encouragement to the young striker.
“He was disappointed it didn’t happen. I spoke to him when the transfer window shut. I gave him a call. We spent 20 minutes talking,” Mikel said. “I said, ‘Listen, I’m always here for you. You need to keep your head down. You need to keep working hard. Keep training. I know it’s not the best situation right now, but I know you’re strong.'”
Mikel also highlighted Osimhen’s character, likening him to former Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba and Diego Costa. He emphasized that Osimhen possesses the edge and bite that can intimidate defenders, qualities that Chelsea has been missing in their strikers.
Addressing rumors of discord between Osimhen and Chelsea, Mikel firmly dismissed them, stating, “Definitely, there are no issues. I think if we have to pick this back up again like I said, whenever it is, January or next summer, we know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped, and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
