Osimhen rules out January move to Chelsea

Victor Osimhen has confirmed he will not be joining Chelsea during the January transfer window, stating his commitment to remain with Turkish giants Galatasaray until the end of his loan spell.

The 25-year-old striker, who was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, made his intentions clear after netting his fourth goal for Galatasaray in their 2-1 victory against Besiktas in Monday’s Turkish Super Lig Istanbul Derby.

“Yes, I am here,” Osimhen responded when asked about his plans for the second half of the season, as revealed by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

The Nigeria striker has been in scintillating form since joining the Turkish Super Lig leaders on loan from Napoli in September, scoring in three consecutive league games, including a spectacular overhead kick against Antalyaspor last weekend, upon his return from injury.

His latest goal came in the 67th minute against Besiktas, when he expertly headed home Gabriel Sara’s cross to double Galatasaray’s lead before the visitors pulled one back in stoppage time.

Despite Chelsea’s continued interest in securing his services and Nicolas Jackson’s improved form, the Blues are still in the market for a striker that is capable of guaranteeing at least 20 goals per season, with Osimhen viewed as the ideal candidate to fill that void.

The former Lille forward’s performances in Turkey have caught the attention of Chelsea legends John Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba, who have both endorsed him as an ideal signing for their former club.

Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray have benefitted significantly from Osimhen’s presence, with the striker contributing four goals and four assists in just six appearances. The team currently sit atop the Turkish Super Lig standings with 28 points from 10 matches, maintaining an impressive run of eight wins and two draws in their last 10 games across all competitions.

The victory over Besiktas has helped Galatasaray open a six-point gap ahead of second-placed Samsunspor, while the defeated remain fourth with 20 points.

With Osimhen confirming his commitment to Galatasaray until the summer, Chelsea may have to wait until 2025 to secure the services of the former Lille player, who continues to enhance his reputation in Turkish football.