Victor Osimhen transfer: 5 costly Chelsea mistakes that could force Blues to pay €150m for Nigeria star

Victor Osimhen’s career continues to blossom while Chelsea’s interest in the Super Eagles striker refuses to disappear, Afrik-Foot reports.

Almost two years after failing to bring the Nigerian striker to Stamford Bridge, the Premier League club are once again being linked with a move for the Galatasaray forward.

Reports in Turkey claim Chelsea are preparing to reopen talks for the 27-year-old, who remains one of the most sought-after strikers in European football after another outstanding season.

According to reports, the Londoners are considering an offer worth around €130 million. However, Turkish champions Galatasaray are believed to value Osimhen even higher and may demand at least €150 million before considering a sale.

The situation has attracted fresh attention because Chelsea’s need for a proven goalscorer has not gone away. Liam Delap managed only one Premier League goal during the 2025-26 campaign and uncertainty remains over the long-term futures of Nicolas Jackson and Joao Pedro.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has previously made his feelings clear regarding Osimhen’s future, insisting the striker is not for sale. Yet a bid of this size would test even the resolve of the Turkish club’s hierarchy.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle also fuelled speculation recently when he suggested Osimhen could be on the move this summer, although the striker later insisted those comments had been exaggerated and taken out of context.

With Chelsea reportedly preparing another approach, attention has once again turned to a transfer story that has stretched across several windows.

Victor Osimhen: Five mistakes Chelsea made during the Nigeria star’s saga

Waiting until the final hours in 2024

Chelsea spent months monitoring Osimhen but left decisive negotiations until transfer deadline day in August 2024.

By the time co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart travelled to Italy for face-to-face talks, there was barely enough time to complete paperwork, arrange a medical and finalise contract details.

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel later revealed that the two sides came close to finding common ground, but time ultimately ran out.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. Copyright: ImagoxSeskimphotox

Refusing to bend on wages

The biggest obstacle was always money. Chelsea’s new wage structure offered Osimhen a package heavily based on incentives and Champions League qualification bonuses. The proposal was significantly lower than the salary he was earning at Napoli.

Osimhen was being asked to take a major pay cut during the peak years of his career, and Chelsea refused to alter their position. The disagreement proved decisive.

Losing leverage in the Romelu Lukaku deal

Napoli were desperate to sign Romelu Lukaku following Antonio Conte’s arrival. Chelsea had a strong bargaining position and could have linked Lukaku’s transfer to a wider agreement involving Osimhen.

Instead, Lukaku’s move was completed separately. Once Napoli secured their preferred striker, Chelsea lost a valuable negotiating tool and Osimhen’s transfer became much harder to complete.

Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

Ignoring the January 2025 opportunity

When Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan, a break clause reportedly existed that could have allowed elite European clubs to sign him midway through the season.

Chelsea chose not to act. As the striker continued scoring goals in Turkey, his connection with Galatasaray strengthened and the club became increasingly determined to keep him permanently.

Allowing a €75 million bargain to slip away

Perhaps the most expensive mistake came when Osimhen’s release clause dropped to around €75 million for clubs outside Italy last summer.

Chelsea re-entered the race but once again failed to reach an agreement over personal terms and wages.

Galatasaray moved quickly, paid the fee and secured unarguably the biggest signing in the club’s history.

The consequences are now obvious. A player who could have been signed for €75 million is reportedly valued at up to €150 million. If Chelsea truly want Osimhen this summer, they may have to spend double the amount they once considered too much for one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.