Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move

Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move

Former Chelsea and Super Eagles star Mikel Obi has refuted claims that wage demands caused Victor Osimhen’s proposed move to Chelsea to collapse during the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea had made a late push to sign the Nigerian forward, but the deal couldn’t be finalized.

Napoli reportedly accepted an €80 million ($88.5 million) bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, but Osimhen hesitated to leave European football, stalling any potential transfer.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who was closely involved in the negotiations, revealed how close the transfer came to completion.

He emphasized that both parties made compromises, but the move fell apart due to last-minute complications.

“We were just hours away from getting it done,” Mikel explained. “Both sides—Victor and Chelsea—played their part, but we hit some paperwork and medical issues that couldn’t be resolved in time.”

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Mikel commended Chelsea’s ambition and Osimhen’s desire to join the club, revealing that the forward was deeply disappointed when the deal didn’t materialize.

He shared that after the transfer window closed, he had a conversation with Osimhen, offering encouragement and support.

“He was disappointed it didn’t happen,” Mikel said. “I told him to keep his head down and continue working hard. He’s a strong character, much like Didier Drogba or Diego Costa—strikers with that edge, which Chelsea needs.”

Mikel also dismissed any rumors of friction between Osimhen and Chelsea, stating that the relationship between both parties remains positive.

“There are no issues,” Mikel added. “If we pick this up again in January or next summer, we know where we left off. It’s just minor details that need to be sorted.”

Osimhen, who Mikel described as one of the best strikers in the world and Africa’s top player, has since joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan.

However, Mikel is confident that Chelsea and Osimhen could still find a way to make the transfer happen in the future.

“I’m not going to rest until I get him to the club. He’s not just Nigerian or a friend; he’s one of the best, and I know what he can bring to Chelsea,” Mikel concluded.

Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move