Victor Osimhen has officially confirmed his departure from Napoli, setting the stage for a high-stakes summer transfer battle between Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United. The Nigerian striker, currently on a standout loan spell with Galatasaray, revealed his decision to leave Serie A after months of speculation, declaring, “A decision will be made at the end of the season about what will be best for everyone.”
While his 18-goal campaign in Turkey revitalized his stock, elite European clubs are now scrambling to secure his signature—but financial hurdles and fierce competition loom large.
Mikel’s Stamford Bridge push meets financial hurdles
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, a close confidant of Osimhen, has publicly championed the striker’s move to Stamford Bridge after last summer’s collapsed talks.
“Victor’s heart is set on the Premier League, and Chelsea remains his priority,” Mikel recently asserted.
However, the Blues face a significant obstacle: Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, reportedly exceeding £300,000 per week. Napoli’s €70 million (£60.8 million) asking price adds another layer of complexity, though Chelsea’s dire need for a clinical No. 9 could justify the splurge.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have quietly entered the race. With Anthony Martial’s inconsistent form and Rasmus Højlund’s growing pains, the Red Devils view Osimhen as a marquee solution to their attacking woes. Sources suggest United’s revamped recruitment team, led by INEOS, is prepared to rival Chelsea’s bid, banking on the allure of Old Trafford and a project rebuild.
Why Victor Osimhen’s delay tactics matter
Osimhen’s insistence on postponing his decision until post-season underscores his strategic approach. By keeping suitors in suspense, he maximizes leverage in negotiations. The 25-year-old’s affection for Galatasaray—“The fans have been incredibly supportive”—adds sentimental intrigue, but his ambition to dominate a top league steers him toward England.
Chelsea’s recent striker flops (see: Romelu Lukaku, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) amplify the pressure to land Osimhen. Manager Mauricio Pochettino sees him as the missing piece to elevate Nicolas Jackson’s supporting role. For United, securing Victor Osimhen would signal a statement of intent under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership, pairing his physicality with Marcus Rashford’s pace.
The Saudi shadow and Napoli’s next chapter
Despite earlier links to the Saudi Pro League, Osimhen’s camp has ruled out a Middle Eastern move, prioritizing legacy over lucre. Napoli, meanwhile, braces for life without their former talisman. President Aurelio De Laurentiis is eyeing replacements, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Lille’s Jonathan David on the radar.
What’s next?
As the season’s final whistle nears, Chelsea and United’s tug-of-war intensifies. Victor Osimhen’s camp is expected to weigh project viability, financial packages, and Champions League prospects. For Napoli, the focus shifts to reinvesting his fee into a squad rebuild. One thing’s certain: wherever Osimhen lands, his arrival will send shockwaves through the Premier League.