Chelsea icon Mikel warns: Without European football, transfer of Nigerian striker to Man Utd looks unlikely

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has warned that Manchester United's hopes of signing Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen hinge entirely on qualifying for European competition at the end of the season.

With just four games left in the 2024–25 season, Manchester United have been mathematically ruled out of Champions League qualification through the Premier League, trailing fifth-placed Chelsea by 21 points.

However, Manchester United can still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League. 

Obi Mikel believes Osimhen will have little interest in joining a club not competing in European competition, including Champions League and Europa League, and hinted that the Napoli-owned player is instead prioritizing a move to Chelsea. 

The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the former African Footballer of the Year in the hours leading up to the close of the summer transfer window but negotiations broke down due to issues with personal terms.

"This guy does what he does best, he scores goals and that's what we have lacked this season," Mikel said on beIN Sports.

"When you look at our team Chelsea, we are one of the top teams that have missed the biggest chances in the season.

"We don't score enough and that's why we are where we are today. We have Osimhen, that's what he does, he scores goals, he wins you trophies, puts you in the top four."

When asked if Manchester United missing out on European football would impact their chances of signing the Super Eagles star, Mikel was blunt: "If that's the case, then he doesn't go to United."

Osimhen is in the form of his life, registering a career high 39 goal involvements in 36 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray, where he's on loan until June 30, 2025.

Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, could be priced out of a move for the 26-year-old due to his wage demands. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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