John Obi Mikel, the former captain of the Nigerian national team, has spoken out about where Victor Osimhen should move this summer. He wants Osimhen to join a Premier League club instead of going to Saudi Arabia.
Last summer, Osimhen almost signed with Chelsea. But at the last moment, the deal did not happen. Chelsea later signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, and it seems they are no longer trying to sign Osimhen.
At the same time, Turkish club Galatasaray is trying to sign Osimhen permanently. Also, Saudi club Al-Hilal has shown strong interest in him. But Mikel thinks moving to the Middle East now is too early for Osimhen’s career.
“I hope there is still a Premier League move for him this summer,” Mikel told Metro. “I think the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United still need a striker. I don’t think [Rasmus] Højlund is the guy for Manchester United. He works hard, but he’s not the one to get them back in the top four or win trophies. For me, Manchester United might be the destination.”
Mikel, who once played for Chelsea, hopes Osimhen will stay in Europe. He believes staying in top European leagues will help Osimhen reach his full potential as a football player.
“I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe. It would be a shame to see him go there. Maybe Arsenal, United, Juventus, or PSG — let’s see what happens.”
Looking back, Mikel said he felt disappointed that Chelsea missed the chance to sign Osimhen. He believes Osimhen still has a great future ahead and hopes he makes the right move.
“Everyone knows who I wanted to see come to the football club and who the fans wanted,” he said. “It’s a shame he didn’t join Chelsea, the club he supported as a kid. But the club has gone in a different direction by signing Delap, and that’s fine. I hope it works out for him.”
“But I would’ve loved to see someone come in and hit the ground running — someone who knows how to perform in big games and big competitions. Still, we have to support Delap and hope for the best.”
