Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has expressed hopes that Victor Osimhen will move to the English Premier League next season, but ruled out Manchester United as a viable destination if they fail to qualify for European football.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS’ Soccer Sunday Live, Mikel said the Napoli striker, currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray, has set high standards for himself and would likely avoid a move to a club without continental competition.
“If that’s the case, then he doesn’t go to United,” Mikel said when asked if the lack of European football could affect United’s chances of signing the Nigerian star.
Osimhen, 26, has played in either the UEFA Champions League or Europa League every season since joining Lille in 2019, and Mikel believes that consistency will influence his next move. The striker has enjoyed a stellar season in Turkey, scoring 21 goals and registering four assists in just 25 league matches.
Mikel also hinted that Chelsea remain a potential destination, revealing that the London club had held talks with Osimhen in the past.
“I know where we (Chelsea) stopped in terms of the contract, I know where we are,” Mikel said. “It’s an easy fix. We did all the hard work last summer. It’s so easy to just pick it up.”
Though he refused to make any predictions, Mikel confirmed that Osimhen has a desire to play in the Premier League. “I hope somewhere in the Premier League,” he said. “I don’t know; we wait and see.”
If Chelsea fail to complete the deal, Mikel admitted that Arsenal or Manchester United could still be in the race—provided the Red Devils secure European qualification.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s hefty €100m asking price has already forced Juventus out of the running, while clubs like Barcelona and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal have shown interest. According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, the Saudi outfit has already opened talks with Osimhen’s camp.
Manchester United, who have scored just 39 goals in the league this season—one of the worst tallies in the division—are reportedly keen on the striker as a long-term solution to their attacking problems.
