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Chelsea once looked set to sign Victor Osimhen, but a deal never materialised and the striker joined Galatasaray instead
Chelsea appear to have been dealt a blow to any remaining chance of signing Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer of 2024, but a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour, and he joined the Turkish giants on an initial loan instead.
football.london understands that the Blues submitted a bid for Osimhen in the final days of the transfer window. Chelsea wanted to sign the Nigeria international on a season-long loan, which included an obligation-to-buy clause.
But the west Londoners couldn't reach an agreement with Napoli before the deadline. So, having already been axed from the first team, Osimhen snubbed an 'extortionate' offer from Al-Ahli and joined Galatasaray.
The following summer, the Süper Lig champions smashed the Turkish transfer record by paying £65.6million (€75million) for his services on a permanent basis. Rather than go back in for the Nigerian, Chelsea took their business elsewhere and signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap for a combined £90million.
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Although Osimhen signed a long-term contract, which keeps him in Istanbul until at least June 2029, he appears to have already eyed his next club. Ahead of Galatasaray's clash against Juventus in the second leg of the Champions League play-offs, the 27-year-old claimed it would be a 'privilege' to play for the Old Lady.
Osimhen also suggested that he could've joined Juventus last summer, had he not encountered a 'few obstacles'. As quoted by Italian outlet Tuttosport, he said: "Juventus is one of the most important clubs, they are rich in history and have a lot of legends who have played for this club.
"When they spoke to me at the time, I was eager to come before Galatasaray showed up, but there were a few obstacles. That move ultimately didn't materialize, but if there are opportunities in the future, there are several clubs I would like to play for.
"Playing here would be a privilege, it's ideal for a player. But I'm happy at the club I'm at, I love Galatasaray very much. As for the future, I don't know what will happen. 90% of footballers in the world would like to play for Juventus."
Then, during the first half of extra time of Galatasaray's clash against Juventus, Osimhen fuelled speculation of a potential move. The striker refused to celebrate despite having put the Turkish giants ahead on aggregate.
"I didn’t need to do it," Osimhen told Prime Video Italia. "I think it was important to respect a man I care about who has had an important role in my career. Obviously, I’m talking about [Luciano] Spalletti (the current Juventus boss, who he worked closely with at Napoli).
"I didn’t feel the need to celebrate. We played badly, even when they went down to ten men, so there was no reason to celebrate. Even when I scored the decisive goal, I didn’t feel the need to celebrate.
"I’m not that type of player, one who tries to hide his emotions. I saw these people applauding Juventus for their performance. I can say I’m happy."
Subject to a draw on Friday, Galatasaray could face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the last-16 of the Champions League. Osimhen could end up facing Chelsea in the quarter-finals if they're drawn into the 'Silver Path'.
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