- 9 hours ago
Chelsea's Victor Osimhen mistake revealed
Cameron Smith
- 17 Oct 2024 09:00 CDT
- 3 min read
Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has admitted that he believed Victor Osimhen would seal a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen, 25, was heavily linked with the Blues, but the west London club were unable to finalise the paperwork and the deal collapsed at the last minute.
The Nigeria international eventually joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal, but Chelsea are likely to pursue a transfer yet again next summer as they aim to bolster their forward line.
READ MORE: Real Madrid pursue shock January move for Chelsea wonderkid
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have performed exceptionally well so far this season, but the Blues continue to be linked with Osimhen and a pursuit is expected to take place once the 2025 summer window opens.
However, Emenalo believes Chelsea were the frontrunners to sign the Nigerian this year and has suggested that his former club acted too late in the window.
READ MORE: Chelsea duo targeted by Barcelona in January transfer window
What has Michael Emenalo said?
Emenalo worked as Chelsea’s technical director from 2011 to 2017, but he is now the Sporting Director for the Saudi Pro League.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia were also interested in signing Osimhen this summer, although Emenalo has revealed that a move for the Nigerian was never close.
He told The Obi One Podcast: “Maybe in some club's minds they thought they were close. Being close is different for me than it is for the clubs.
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Galatasaray
ETV Range
€47.3M - €78.9M
“For me, it's closed when the paperwork comes through my desk and requires my evaluation and signature. Until that happens then it is not closed and that didn't happen. I didn't see any paperwork.
“But there was obviously clear mammoth interest. Who wouldn't want Victor Osimhen? All things being equal, you're building a team, I thought my former club [Chelsea] would get him because he is terrific.
“Maybe people acted late, there are initial negotiations and conversations that need to take place and the bigger the player is, the longer and more complicated these conversations are.
“The selling club wants to do really well with the deal, the buying club wants to buy within budget, in between negotiations and lawyers, agents.”
