Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has explained why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s proposed transfer from Napoli to Chelsea fell through on deadline day.
The 25-year-old, who had been strongly linked with Chelsea as well as other clubs in France and Saudi Arabia, had a strained relationship with his Italian employers. He submitted a transfer request to leave Napoli a year after playing a key role in ending their 33-year wait for a league title in the 2022-23 season, during which he was Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Obi confirmed that the reigning African Footballer of the Year was “very, very close” to joining Chelsea this summer and refuted claims that Osimhen’s greed was the reason the deal fell apart.
