What fans can expect in Victor Osimhen’s move to Chelsea

As Chelsea prepare for a transformative 2025/26 season, bolstered by Champions League qualification and a UEFA Conference League title, the rumours are growing large with one name: Victor Osimhen. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker, who was on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has re-emerged as a prime target for Enzo Maresca’s squad, with football.london reporting a potential £63m deal in the summer window, following a collapsed loan bid in 2024. Osimhen’s 25 goals and 5 assists in 29 Super Lig games this season, have reignited interest, with former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel expressing intent desire for Osimhen to join the Blues. With Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistent form exposing Chelsea’s need for a ruthless No. 9, Osimhen’s potential arrival could be the catalyst to elevate the Blues back to Premier League and European glory. This piece is set to explore Osimhen’s performances, playing style, past records, fit in Maresca’s system, and what Chelsea fans can expect if the deal becomes real

Osimhen’s career trajectory

Osimhen’s 2024/25 campaign at Galatasaray has been nothing short of spectacular. Scoring 25 goals and adding 5 assists in 29 Super Lig matches, he’s propelled the Turkish giants to a third consecutive title. His 0.86 goals per 90 and 0.17 assists per 90, with 1.4 dribbles and 1.6 aerial duels won per 90, showcase a complete forward, according to SofaScore. Despite being exiled by Napoli’s Antonio Conte, Osimhen’s 31 goals in 39 games during Napoli’s 2022/23 Serie A triumph cemented his status as one of Europe’s elite strikers, earning him the Capocannoniere (top scorer) and African Footballer of the Year awards.

His journey began at Wolfsburg, where injuries limited his 2017/18 stint, but a loan to Charleroi and a £20m move to Lille showcased his potential. At Napoli, Osimhen exploded, scoring 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games, including 26 in 2022/23 and 15 in 2023/24 despite injuries. Internationally, his 22 goals in 38 caps for Nigeria, shows his ability. Osimhen’s past records: Serie A champion, top scorer, and African Footballer of the Year make him a proven winner, unlike Chelsea’s current options.

Osimhen’s playing style

Osimhen’s playing style is tailor-made for the Premier League’s intensity. Standing at 6’1”, he combines physicality, pace, and technical finesse. His 0.4 xG per 90 and 1.4 dribbles per 90 reflect a striker who thrives on runs behind defenses, while his 1.6 aerial duels won per 90 make him a set-piece threat, according to SofaScore. Osimhen’s high press and ability to hold up play align with modern striker demands. His arrogance and aggressiveness, brings a tough mentality, which are ideal for big moments.

Unlike Jackson, whose goals were marred by a unreasonable suspensions, Osimhen’s consistency scoring in 22 of 29 Super Lig games offers reliability. His versatility, dropping deep to link play or stretching defenses, shows a better class than Christopher Nkunku’s struggles and Marc Guiu’s inexperience. Osimhen’s 4 assists at Galatasaray show he’s not just a poacher, but one who can playmake, complementing Chelsea’s wingers.

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How Osimhen could fit in Maresca’s System

Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, shifting to a 4-4-2 press or 3-4-3 in possession, demands a versatile, high-energy striker and Osimhen fits like a glove. His pressing intensity aligns with Maresca’s high pressing, while his aerial prowess exploits Chelsea’s set-piece goals. Osimhen’s ability to run channels complements Palmer’s creativity and Pedro Neto’s dribbles, creating a dynamic front three.

Maresca’s system, which saw Chelsea score 68 goals in 2024/25, lacks a clinical finisher, with Jackson’s 6 goals in 9 games fading to 0 in his last 5. Osimhen’s 0.86 goals per 90 and 0.4 xG per 90 would address this, offering a focal point to convert Palmer’s chances, according to SofaScore. His hold-up play links with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia’s midfield runs, while his pace stretches defenses, unlike Nicholas Jackson and Nkunku’s deeper role. However, Osimhen’s potential AFCON absence (December 21, 2025–January 18, 2026) could see him miss 10 games, requiring Liam Delap as backup.

Fan expectations for Osimhen transfer to the Blues

Chelsea fans, desperate for a talisman since Drogba’s 2012 departure, see Osimhen as his heir. Mikel’s claim that Osimhen adores the club has built fans expectations. Fans expect a striker who delivers 20+ goals, with Osimhen’s 35 in 39 games at Galatasaray suggesting he can hit 25 in the Premier League. Football enthusiasts on social media, predict Osimhen and Jackson forming a “lethal” partnership, with Jackson learning from Osimhen’s “merciless” finishing. However, his £63m fee and high wages, which could cause some issues require Chelsea to offload players like Jadon Sancho. Fans also expect leadership, with Osimhen’s tough mentality.

Challenges and risks in Osimhen potential move to Chelsea

The deal isn’t without hurdles. Napoli’s £63m release clause, down from £100m, is steep, and Manchester United’s interest adds competition, though Napoli prefer selling abroad. Osimhen’s insistence on a permanent move, not a loan, aligns with Chelsea’s plans but requires PSR compliance. His AFCON commitment could disrupt Chelsea’s January 2026 schedule. Arsenal’s interest and a rumoured Galatasaray agreement, complicate matters. Osimhen’s injury history missing 15 games in 2023/24 raises durability concerns, though his 29 starts this season ease fears. Fans must slowdown expectations, as Jackson’s 10 league goals in 2024/245 show potential, and Osimhen’s adaptation to the Premier League’s physicality may take time.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Chelsea could be the defining transfer of their 2025/26 rebuild. His 25 goals in 29 Super Lig games, 76 at Napoli, and African Footballer of the Year award prove he’s a world-class No. 9. His physicality, pressing, and finishing fit Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, addressing Chelsea’s need for a clinical finisher. Fans can expect a player and leader like Didier Drogba aiming for 20+ goals and trophies. Despite financial, competitive, and AFCON-related risks, Osimhen’s hunger and Chelsea’s Champions League pull make this a tantalizing prospect. If the Blues secure their man, Stamford Bridge could witness the dawn of a new era, with Osimhen leading the charge to glory.