LAGOS, Nigeria — Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has disclosed why Chelsea narrowly missed signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the last transfer window. According to Mikel, the deal was “hours away” from completion, but ultimately collapsed due to “minor details.”
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel revealed that Chelsea had agreed to personal terms with Osimhen, and both sides were prepared to make compromises. However, the transfer fell apart due to unresolved issues surrounding paperwork and medical evaluations.
“I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to,” Mikel said. “We finally got to a compromise. Both sides had to compromise. It 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.”
Despite the setback, Mikel expressed optimism that Chelsea could make another attempt to sign Osimhen in the January transfer window. The Super Eagles star recently showcased his talent by scoring in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Cheetahs of Benin on Saturday.
“Both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done, and I commend Chelsea for that because I can see their ambition of where they want to take this club now,” Mikel continued. “On Victor’s side, he really wanted to come to the club. He was disappointed it didn’t happen.”
Mikel, who had a conversation with Osimhen after the transfer window closed, reassured the striker to stay focused. “I gave him a call, we spent 20 minutes talking. I said, ‘Listen, I’m always here for you. You need to keep your head down, keep working hard, keep training. I know it’s not the best situation right now, but I know you’re strong.’”
Comparing Osimhen to Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, Mikel emphasized the striker’s potential to bring a much-needed aggressive edge to Chelsea’s frontline. “Victor’s a strong character, he’s a bit like Drogba and Costa,” Mikel said. “That’s something we’re missing at the club — strikers who have that edge, who have that bite, who can intimidate defenders, and Victor definitely has that.”
Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen was one of the high-profile transfer stories of the summer, but with the deal falling through, the club may look to reignite negotiations in January.
