John Obi Mikel, a former midfielder for the Super Eagles and Chelsea, has disclosed the reasons for the breakdown of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s proposed transfer from Napoli to Chelsea on deadline day.
Newsmen revealed that the 25-year-old, who was linked to The Blues and other suitors in France and Saudi Arabia, had strained relations with his Italian employers and had submitted a transfer request to quit the team just one year after leading Napoli to victory in Serie A with 26 goals, ending their 33-year league title drought. The Italian team was infuriated with the player.
The current African Footballer of the Year, Obi disclosed on his Obi One Podcast, was “very, very close” to joining Chelsea this summer. He also explained why the deal fell 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. Boy Victor is not avaricious. 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. In order for me to assure everyone that is untrue.
“He doesn’t have any issues; he just wants to play football and get what’s rightfully his.” It shouldn’t be an issue if a player demands to be paid what he is worth because he knows that value.
Even though our talks 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 his debut with Galatasaray, Osimhen declared, “I’m ready to create unforgettable memories together.”
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