Victor Osimhen’s highly anticipated move to Chelsea has sensationally collapsed, just hours before the summer transfer window closed.
The Nigerian striker, who had been on the radar of several top European clubs, was expected to be a marquee signing for the Premier League giants.
However, last-minute negotiations between Osimhen and Chelsea fell apart, leaving the forward’s future in limbo.
The breakdown of the deal occurred with only two hours remaining before the window shut, dashing hopes of seeing Osimhen in a Chelsea jersey this season. The failed transfer comes as a significant disappointment for both the player and the club, who were eager to finalize the move.
Chelsea had been keen to bolster their attacking options with the 24-year-old, who has been one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe following his impressive performances with Napoli.
In a further twist, Osimhen’s potential move to Saudi Arabia also fell through on deadline day. Al Ahli, one of the Saudi Pro League’s top clubs, had been in advanced talks to sign the Nigerian international but opted instead to secure the services of Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
The last-minute decision by Al Ahli leaves Osimhen without an immediate transfer destination, raising concerns over his short-term future.
Adding to the uncertainty, the collapse of the Chelsea deal has reportedly strained Osimhen’s relationship with his current club, Napoli.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there is a real possibility that Osimhen could be frozen out of Napoli’s first-team squad if no new bids emerge before the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window closes.
This scenario could see the forward sidelined for the foreseeable future, a dramatic turn of events for a player who had been tipped for a high-profile move.
As the dust settles on a tumultuous deadline day, Osimhen faces an uncertain path ahead, with his future at Napoli now hanging by a thread.
