Chelsea is now facing the consequences of passing up on the chance to sign Victor Osimhen during last summer’s transfer window.
The Nigerian striker, who has since become one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, was available for a move away from Napoli after his relationship with the Italian club deteriorated.
The forward had fallen out of favor with Napoli, even being exiled from the first-team squad, making his future at the club uncertain.
Despite interest from some of the continent’s top clubs, including Chelsea, Osimhen remained at Napoli as the summer transfer window closed.
However, the Italian giants were reportedly open to a deal, and Chelsea could have taken advantage of a rare opportunity.
The Blues were involved in multiple transfer talks during the period, but ultimately failed to complete the move.
According to journalist Buchi Laba, Chelsea squandered the advantage Napoli gave them, as the Serie A club blocked all other suitors from securing a deal.
In a recent revelation, Laba detailed how Napoli turned down offers from other top clubs, frustrating their pursuit of Osimhen, but were open to negotiations with Chelsea.
Yet, the Premier League club could not finalize a transfer, leaving the door open for Osimhen to join Galatasaray on a one-year loan for the 2024-25 season.
This move came as a surprise to many, considering Osimhen’s immense value and his relationship with Napoli at the time.
Now, having settled in Turkey, Osimhen has been in spectacular form for Galatasaray.
With 14 goals in just 18 appearances across the Super Lig and Europa League, he has proven his worth in Turkey.
Despite this success, he has maintained a focus on his current season with Galatasaray, making it clear that any future transfer talks will take place after the season’s conclusion.
While Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly eyeing him for a potential summer transfer, Osimhen seems content to remain in Turkey for the time being.
Galatasaray, who are firmly competing for the Super Lig title and aiming for a strong run in the Europa League, will be hoping to retain their prized asset for the remainder of the season.
The striker’s growing stock, a move in the summer of 2025 could be on the cards, potentially reshaping the European transfer landscape once again.
Chelsea’s failure to secure Osimhen’s signature could be seen as one of the club’s biggest blunders of the recent transfer windows, especially with the Nigerian’s rapid rise to prominence.
As he continues to impress at Galatasaray, the Blues may soon be left wondering what could have been.
