Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has criticised the club’s failure to sign Victor Osimhen this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, was expected to join Chelsea after Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Liverpool dropped out of the race.
However, the Nigerian striker instead completed a shock loan move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, leaving many, including former Chelsea defender Johnson, baffled.
Chelsea were heavily linked with Osimhen throughout the summer, and his arrival would have significantly boosted their attack.
However, despite Chelsea’s interest, the 25-year-old forward failed to secure a transfer to Stamford Bridge before the window closed.
Speaking to Betfred, former Liverpool fullback Johnson expressed his confusion over the situation, stating, “The obvious one would be Victor Osimhen. He was the big name they wanted and didn’t get.”
Johnson continued, pointing out Chelsea’s risky strategy of stockpiling young players.
“They’ve signed loads of youngsters that may not be in the team straight away, despite spending a lot of money on them, and I think Osimhen is the big signing that they’ve missed out on.”
The former Chelsea star also highlighted how Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray came as a surprise.
“It’s a weird deal altogether because at one moment there were supposedly only two teams in the race to sign him, and then the window’s shut and he’s moved on loan to a team that wasn’t even in the conversation.”
Osimhen has already made his debut for Galatasaray, providing an assist in their win over Rizespor.
Additionally, he found the back of the net for Nigeria in their 3-0 AFCON qualifying win over Benin Republic during the international break.