Julius OkorieLike the man who saw tomorrow, former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, says compatriot, Victor Osimhen will ‘blow’ in the EPL.
He expressed optimism that the former Napoli striker, who has since become a must play for Galatasaray, will ultimately move to the EPL, while hoping that his destination will be Chelsea.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe rubbished reports about Manchester United ranking among possible destination for Osimhen, especially if they fail to qualify for European competition.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS during Soccer Sunday Live, Mikel made it clear that Osimhen’s European ambitions would likely prevent him from joining the Red Devils, should they miss out on continental football next season.
“If that’s the case, then he doesn’t go to United,” the former international teammate of Osimhen said when asked whether a club not playing in Europe next season could rule them out of signing the player.
The 26-year-old striker, currently on loan at Turkish champions, Galatasaray, from Napoli, has played in either the Champions League or Europa League every season since signing for Lille in the summer of 2019.
Mikel who was just one game short of maing 250 appearances for Chelsea between 2006 and 2017,revealed that Osimhen wants to play for the Blues but stopped short of predicting which team the striker will join next season.
“I hope somewhere in the Premier League,” he said before adding when pressed further, “I don’t know; we wait and see.”
The ex-Chelsea star suggested his former club could easily revive their interest in the Nigeria international, claiming insider knowledge of previous negotiations.
“I know where we (Chelsea) stopped in terms of the contract, I know where we are,” Mikel said.
“It’s an easy fix. We did all the hard work last summer. It’s so easy to just pick it up.”
When pushed further during the programme, he conceded that he would definitely need help from Chelsea to make the move happen for his compatriot. However, if that transfer did not materialise again, he agreed that United would be in the frame or Arsenal.
Osimhen has been fantastic for Gala this season, scoring 21 goals in just 25 league games with four assists to his credit.
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His performance has attracted and continues to attract interest from several top European clubs, but Napoli’s reported €100m asking price has already seen Juventus withdraw from the race, according to Tuttosport. That has not however stopped Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim from dreaming to have Osimhen in his squad as a remedy to his goal-scoring woes.
The Red Devils have netted just 39 times in the Premier League this season, making them the fifth-worst attacking side in the division.
While Mikel and other pro EPL move for Osimhen optimists are keeping the dream alive, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have now emerged as serious contenders for Osimhen’s signature, with Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reporting that the club has already opened talks with the striker’s representatives.
Al-Hilal are reportedly ready to offer the Nigerian international €30 million per year for four years, translating to about €575k per week.
Top players who have since joined the Saudi League considered in some quarters and the new destination point for footballers include Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, Neymar, Karim Benzema to mention but just a few.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
