John Obi Mikel has revealed his conversation with Victor Osimhen a few minutes after his failed deadline transfer to Chelsea, but the Blues legend’s comments might not sit well with club striker Nicolas Jackson.
Osimhen was involved in the biggest transfer drama in the summer window, which saw his intended move to Chelsea and Al Ahli crash on deadline day due to some undisclosed reasons that were recently revealed by Sports Buddy.
The 25-year-old striker had expressed his desire to play in the Premier League for a long time and must have been disappointed not to be able to come to Stamford Bridge, Mikel claims.
Mikel on Victor Osimhen’s deadline transfer to Chelsea
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder revealed that the African Men’s Player of the Year regrets not joining his former club and how he offered support for the Super Eagles striker during his debacle.
“He really wanted to come to the club, and you know he was disappointed it didn’t happen,” Mikel Said.
”I think I spoke to him as soon as the transfer window shut.
“I gave him a call, and we spent about 20 minutes talking. I was just like, you know, listen, I am always here for you.
“You need to keep your head down, you need to keep working hard and keep training. I know it is not the best situation right now what has happened, but I know you are strong.”
Mikel also spoke on Victor Osimhen’s abilities, claiming that the Chelsea attack currently lacks such a profile of player.
“Victor is a strong character, he is a bit like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa and that is something we are missing at the club.
“You know strikers who have that edge, who have that little bite that can intimidate defenders and Victor definitely has that.”
Mikel’s dispute with Jackson
Mikel Obi has been an advocate of Chelsea signing Victor Osimhen, despite the Blues’ just acquiring Jackson a season before.
The Senegalese striker, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023, has been a subject of criticism from fans for his wastefulness in front of goal, and Mikel also has not held back when analysing the former Villarreal man.
Mikel was very critical of Jackson after Chelsea’s league opening loss to Manchester City, questioning his goal-scoring abilities and suggesting that the club needs a clinical striker, as Jackson is nothing close to that.
Jackson, who did not take Mikel’s remarks with open arms, responded a week later with a post on Instagram asking the Super Eagles legend to shut his mouth, following his impressive display against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And now, with Mikel’s recent comment suggesting Chelsea lack big personality upfront, the 22-year-old striker might take exceptions again, given the fact that it seems like an indictment on his own abilities.
Victor Osimhen, on the other hand, recently secured a season-long loan deal with Turkish side Galatasaray after been frozen out of Napoli squad.
