Victor Osimhen’s future continues to be clouded in doubt as yet another suitor appears to have given up on their pursuit of the Super Eagles forward.
The 26-year-old is one of the most sought-after forwards in world football with numerous top teams bidding for his signature ahead of the winter transfer window.
According to ESPN, Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli and has established himself as one of the world’s deadliest attackers in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Nigerian forward, who almost joined Chelsea on transfer deadline day last summer, has scored a whopping 13 goals and created six assists in only 17 appearances for the Istanbul giants, per Transfermarkt.
Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keen on Osimhen but the Nigerian forward’s future remains shrouded in doubt despite Napoli’s willingness to offload him.
Chelsea withdraws from Osimhen deal
English Premier League giants Chelsea has reportedly backed out from their pursuit of Osimhen due to complications surrounding the deal to sign the on-loan Galatasaray forward.
According to TBR Football, the Blues have turned their attention to former Manchester City forward Liam Delap as they seek to add a striker to their squad in the January transfer window.
‼️Chelsea are serious contenders for Liam Delap, who is open to a move to Stamford Bridge.
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) January 8, 2025
~ @JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/VCXa6XHper
Chelsea insider Ben Jacobs has shared why Chelsea seemed to have quenched their thirst for Osimhen to pursue a deal for the Ipswich striker.
“Right now, they seem more intent to bring a player like Delap in, young, Premier League experience, rather than going in for Victor Osimhen at £65m and £250k-a-week.
“The thing about Delap that Chelsea feel is that if you take away the finishing he’s having to drop deep and do a lot of work off the ball.
“It’s shaping his profile in a way where he drops deeper, interlinks it, that builds his game. A lot of people look at Delap like that as it’s adding to his development and keeping him humble.”
Delap is also a significantly cheaper option as opposed to Osimhen as the 20-year-old forward is expected to cost a maximum of £20 million as opposed to the Napoli striker who is valued at £75 million.
