Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed that Chelsea fans preferred the club to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen rather than Liam Delap. Obi Mikel made the comments following Delap’s assist on his debut for Chelsea in their 2-0 win over Los Angeles in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage.
Obi Mikel said, “We needed somebody to come in and score those goals and finish those chances, but obviously Delap was not the guy the fans wanted. Obviously we know who the fans wanted, the fans wanted Victor Osimhen to the football club, but he didn’t. Delap is young. I wish him well and I hope he succeeds in this club.”
Chelsea signed Delap from Ipswich Town after failing to reach a deal to sign Osimhen last year. However, Chelsea are still linked with a move for the Nigerian international striker, who has officially agreed to join Chelsea in the summer 2025 transfer window on a two-year contract, with the club viewing him as a key figure in their rebuild.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been admired by Chelsea for years and is expected to bring pace, power, and lethal finishing to their front line. Negotiations over his wage demands have been a sticking point, but the transfer is now confirmed, generating excitement among fans eager to see him lead Chelsea’s attack in the Premier League next season.
