Mikel: Osimhen’s Move to Saudi Arabia Would Be a Shame

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has urged Victor Osimhen to prioritize a move to the Premier League over Saudi Arabia, calling a move to the Middle East premature.

Mikel believes Osimhen still has much to offer in Europe and would be better suited to a top European league.

“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,” Mikel told Metro. “So maybe Arsenal, United, Juventus and PSG too [are his options]. Let’s see what happens.”

Osimhen, 26, is expected to return to Napoli after a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in 41 games.

However, Galatasaray want to keep him, while Al-Hilal are keen to lure him to Saudi Arabia.

Mikel, who had hoped to see Osimhen at Stamford Bridge, admits the club has gone in another direction with the signing of Liam Delap. “Everyone knows who I wanted to see come to the football club, It is a shame he didn’t come to Chelsea, the club he supported as a kid growing up.”

Mikel now believes Arsenal or Manchester United are more likely destinations for Osimhen. “I think the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, they still need a striker. I don’t think [Rasmus] Hojlund is the guy for Manchester United,” he said. “So for me, Manchester United might be the destination.”

Despite Manchester United’s absence from European competition next season, Mikel thinks Osimhen might consider joining the club. “Maybe he would say, ‘I will give it a season’ It is something Victor might consider,” he added.

Mikel hopes Osimhen makes a Premier League move this summer, saying, “I hope there is still a Premier League move for him this summer, I’ve had a few conversations with him, he is working to make sure he ends up at a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.”

VANGUARD