CONFIRMED: Chelsea make Victor Osimhen U-turn as huge salary offer submitted

Cameron Smith

Updated: 5 Jun 2025 08:22 CDT
4 min read

Chelsea have reportedly decided against signing Victor Osimhen this summer, despite long-standing interest in the Nigeria superstar.

Osimhen, 26, was heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge switch last year, before joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal, while the Blues have also been tipped to finalise a deal following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

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Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€61.1M - €74.7M

However, John Obi Mikel has admitted that a transfer will almost certainly not take place, despite repeatedly stating that Chelsea want to finalise an agreement for Osimhen’s signature.

The 26-year-old was reportedly keen on a summer move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea have made a transfer U-turn and decided against agreeing a deal, largely due to his €12 million annual salary demands.

“We need a number nine, but I think everybody knows the number nine that I want us to get and we're not getting him,” Mikel told talkSPORT.

“We need to get Osimhen but I don't think the club is getting him now. We've gone a different route, we're getting [Liam] Delap.

“I hope he comes in and helps the team as well. I want to see him in the Club World Cup, I want to see him perform. Obviously he needs to push Nicolas Jackson, the competition needs to be there.

“Now we have healthy competition. Hopefully we can see how that's going to lead us from this FIFA Club World Cup, into the Premier League and of course the Champions League."

With a move to Chelsea now off the cards, Osimhen is expected to join Al-Hilal this summer and he has received a “formal offer” from the Saudi Pro League outfit, according to Ben Jacobs.

© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen spent last season on loan at Galatasaray

Chelsea to sign Hugo Ekitike?

Although Chelsea are set to miss out on Osimhen, they are in advanced talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, and The Mirror claim the Frenchman is eager to join the club if a transfer fee agreement can be reached.

Furthermore, Chelsea have already confirmed the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after triggering his €35m relegation release clause.

Delap has been handed the No.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge and he is expected to challenge Jackson for a starting berth at the Club World Cup if Chelsea convince him to travel to the tournament rather than compete for England at the U21 European Championship.

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