Chelsea were pushing to sign Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, this summer as their marquee signing. However, the Blues failed to sign the Nigerian because of his high wage demands. According to reports by Fabrizio Romano, the west London club offered Osimhen a contract worth €155,000-a-week, which was less than what he earned at Napoli.
The 25-year old declined the offer, ruining his relationship with both the clubs now. His relationship with the Italian club is completely broken now. The player has also been exiled from Napoli’s first team and will not be representing them in Serie A.
Napoli will hear offers from Middle-east, with Al-Ahli being the likely destination among them. If nothing materializes within the next three days, he will be frozen out and will not be able to play club football till January. Whether Osimhen be able to play after January also depends on whether he’ll be able to find a new club or not.
The Nigerian striker’s attitude has frustrated Napoli, who have replaced his no.9 shirt with Romelu Lukaku. Osimhen is not in the club’s plans moving forward. Chelsea were also left frustrated by the 25-year old striker, as he refused to lower his wages.
The Blues signed Jadon Sancho from Manchester United instead to bolster their attack. They were also not able to sign Ivan Toney as they left it too late. The 29-year old had already agreed on personal terms with Al-Ahli.
Victor Osimhen heading to Saudi Arabia?
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Victor Osimhen might be set to make a move to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, for a deal reportedly worth €80 million with additional add-ons. The 25-year old has been frozen out by Napoli and exiled from the first team squad. He has not been registered in the Serie A.
The striker has no option but to move to Saudi Arabia. The European transfer window has closed, and no other club could match his mammoth wage demands. Chelsea wanted to sign him at all costs but the Nigerian chose money over passion. He rejected the Blues because they failed to meet his wage demands.
Negotiations between Osimhen and Chelsea are completely broken, and the Blues board are very disappointed. It is very disappointing to see such talented players leave Europe so early, just for the sake of money. The flair of playing for a big club at Europe is slowly diminishing. However for Osimhen, it might be lack of options instead of the huge money attraction.
The Saudi Pro side has sent a bid which is set to be accepted by the Italians. The 25-year old will sign a 4-year contract receiving £135m in wages and bonuses. However there is a twist in this transfer saga;
Al-Ahli have already reached their full quota of foreign players, to sign Osimhen they must sell one foreign player. If they are unable to do so, the 25-year old will not be able to play football till January.
Victor Osimhen’s agent tried to control the damage that has been caused, he says;
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction.“
Chelsea face Crystal Palace in a London derby on Sunday
After a transfer window full of chaos and drama, Chelsea can finally focus on football now. The Blues will look to carry momentum from last week’s thrashing of Wolves. The Blues host Crystal Palace in a London derby on Sunday.
Crystal Palace will aim to beat Chelsea, after back-to-back home defeats to start a sea,son for the first time since 1978-79. The Eagles have a poor record against their rivals, winning only one out of last fourteen games.
Chelsea (H) predicted XI:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Jackson
Crystal Palace (A) predicted XI:
Henderson; Clyne, Guehi, Richards; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Kamada, Eze, Mateta
Match Prediction:
Enzo Maresca’s men are high on confidence and it seems like the manager has found his strongest eleven. Palace on the other hand, were defeated in both of their games so far but they have shown promise. Defensively, the Eagles need to pull off a much better performance to win at Stamford bridge.
Chelsea should be able to bag three points on Sunday considering their record against Palace and recent form. Palace will play with a low-block, the Blues are expected to keep most of the possession and create chances. Olive Glasner’s side will aim to hurt the rivals on the break.
Kick off time: 1:30 PM local time and 6:00 PM IST
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