'Chelsea completely disrespected him' - Akerejola reveals what Osimhen told him about failed deadline day move
Published: September 06, 2024Arise News correspondent Aaron Akerejola has shed light on Victor Osimhen's failed move to Premier League giants Chelsea on transfer deadline day in England a week ago.
In a conversation arranged by former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, Osimhen poured his heart out to Akerejola, detailing how his transfer to Chelsea fell through.
Last December, the reigning African Footballer of the Year signed a new contract at Napoli with a release clause of 130 million euros valid for foreign clubs.
However, the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner claims his mental health was seriously affected at Napoli after the TikTok incident and there was no going back on his decision to depart the Diego Maradona Stadium, despite manager Antonio Conte pleading with him to stay, contrary to reports in the media.
Osimhen did not make an appearance for Napoli during pre-season preparations and was not considered for their Serie A games as his defiance led him to be frozen out of the team.
The Nigeria international suggested that Chelsea disrespected him by directly negotiating a swap deal with Napoli as far back as the start of August without informing him
Chelsea were ready to use Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku as a makeweight in their efforts to sign Osimhen but no agreement was reached.
Before the Blues came in on deadline day, Osimhen had already agreed personal terms with Al-Ahli but Napoli frustrated his move to the Saudi Pro League by making outrageous demands.
"He claims Chelsea completely disrespected him, negotiating a swap deal without his consent," Aaron Akerejola posted on Arise News YouTube channel.
"Thirty minutes after the deal with Al-Ahli was off, Chelsea finally reached out to Osimhen through co-owner, Hansjörg Wyss, offering him 130,000 pounds per week.
"Chelsea tried to arm-twist him with the claim he wanted £500,000-a-week.
"According to Mikel Obi who was helping engineer that particular deal, nothing like that was actually put out there."
Osimhen rejected the offer from Chelsea, claiming that 43 percent of the wages goes to the British government, 20 percent to NHS and another £20,000 for image rights.
The 25-year-old completed a loan move to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray before reporting for international duty on Thursday, September 5.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Huddersfield Town midfielder Kasumu named in League One Team of the Week
- Norwich City and Lens linked with move for N61.5m-a-week Fenerbahce's Super Eagles defender
- Introducing Andrea Okene: Spanish-born former Valencia forward who is keen on representing Nigeria
- Republic of Ireland legend slams one Chelsea player for coming up short in head-to-head clash with Ola Aina
- Who is Honest Ahanor? The youngest Nigerian player to feature in Europe's top 5 leagues this season
- After omission from Super Eagles Afconq squad, Osimhen reveals when he'll return from injury
- What Nantes coach said about Uyo-bound Super Eagles forward Moses Simon after defeat to Lyon
- 'Good battle with Sancho' - International media praises Aina after Forest's 1-1 draw at Chelsea
- Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa shows he's still got it with brace for Kano Pillars on third debut
- 'It would be a dream to represent Nigeria' - Scottish-born forward keen on representing African powerhouse
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- okvip ing
- Women's Football