In a candid discussion, former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has shed light on the near completion of Victor Osimhen’s transfer to the London club. Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel revealed how close the deal was to being finalized, only for it to fall apart at the last minute.
“We Were Very, Very Close”
Mikel didn’t hold back in expressing just how close Chelsea came to securing Osimhen’s signature. “Yeah, we were very, very close. I put it that way, we were very, very close,” he said. This statement highlights the seriousness of the negotiations between the Premier League giants and Napoli.
The Deal Fell Apart Due to Minor Issues
Despite the optimism, Mikel admitted that there were slight issues that ultimately prevented the deal from being completed. “We were just moments away from getting this deal done, but it was just slight issues, slight little problems, that we just couldn’t get over the line,” he explained. These issues, while minor, proved insurmountable in the end.
The Role of Timing and Medicals
Timing also played a crucial role in the collapse of the deal. Mikel noted that even if the issues were resolved, the timing made it impossible to complete the medicals. “And of course, the medical couldn’t be done as well, even if we got the deal done, it was too late,” Mikel added. This crucial step in the transfer process could not be executed, further complicating the situation.
Looking Ahead to January
Despite the disappointment, Mikel remains hopeful that the deal could be revived in the future. He hinted that the groundwork has been laid for a potential revisit of the deal in the next transfer window. “And if eventually, you know, say, January or whatever, we have to pick it up again, then I know exactly where we are and where we have to start from,” Mikel said, leaving the door open for future negotiations.
John Obi Mikel’s insights into Victor Osimhen’s near-move to Chelsea offer a glimpse into the complexities of football transfers. The close but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to bring the Nigerian striker to Stamford Bridge highlights the fine margins that can dictate the success or failure of such deals. As Mikel suggests, this might not be the end of Chelsea’s pursuit, with January offering a potential opportunity to reignite the talks.
Summary:
– Mikel discusses how close Osimhen was to joining Chelsea.
– Minor issues and timing prevented the deal’s completion.
– Hints at a possible revisit of the deal in January.