At Crossroads: Victor Osimhen to Chelsea Transfer Latest as Man Utd Back Off and Napoli Talks Take a Twisted Turn

June 13, 2025 | By CBS Sports Insider

In a stunning twist that has left fans fuming and insiders baffled, Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen finds himself at the center of one of the most controversial transfer sagas in recent Premier League history. Once a top target for multiple English giants, the Napoli striker’s long-anticipated Premier League switch now hangs in the balance — and the drama is escalating by the hour.

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⚠️ Man United Officially Out — But Not for Footballing Reasons?

Sources inside Old Trafford confirmed this morning that Manchester United have withdrawn entirely from the Osimhen race. But what’s causing the most stir isn’t the decision itself — it’s the reason behind it.

A club executive, speaking under anonymity, hinted that “dressing room control” and “agent behavior” were central to the club’s concern. “We’re building a squad around discipline, not personalities. That’s all I’ll say,” the executive said.

The statement has already ignited outrage, especially from African football communities and former pros, who see it as thinly veiled bias against African players who express ambition and financial awareness.

Critics are asking: Would the same be said about a Harry Kane or Erling Haaland?

🔵 Chelsea Hold Talks – But Napoli President Puts His Foot Down

While United pull out, Chelsea have stepped up. Club officials reportedly met with Osimhen’s representatives in London last weekend. Mauricio Pochettino has personally greenlit the pursuit, seeing Osimhen as the missing piece in Chelsea’s inconsistent attack.

However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, never one to shy away from a headline, has fired back with impossible demands. He’s reportedly demanding €130 million upfront, no player swap, and full add-ons — a figure Chelsea insiders describe as “borderline sabotage.”

Even worse, Italian reports suggest De Laurentiis is intentionally delaying talks to punish Osimhen for requesting a move earlier this year. If true, the situation crosses from business into personal vendetta — and potentially player career sabotage.

😤 Osimhen Frustrated, Calls Situation “Unfair”

Speaking to a Nigerian journalist after a national team training session, Osimhen didn’t hold back:

“I’ve given everything to Napoli. I won the league, broke my back for that shirt. But they promised me something last summer. Now they’re acting like I’m the villain. It’s not fair.”

The interview has since gone viral, racking up millions of views and trending under #FreeOsimhen on X (formerly Twitter).

🤔 Are Premier League Clubs Avoiding the Fight?

While Chelsea are still in the mix, their hesitance to meet Napoli’s terms has fans questioning whether Premier League clubs are truly serious about landing African top-tier talent. The Nigerian fanbase — one of the most passionate in global football — is beginning to voice what many have long whispered:

“If Osimhen were South American or European, this deal would be done already.”

It’s a claim that’s gaining ground, especially when you look at how quickly clubs have met inflated demands for other global stars in the past.

💼 The Agent Angle: Is Federico Pastorello a Problem?

Another shadow looming over the deal is Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, who’s been accused of being “too demanding” and “hard to work with.” However, supporters argue he’s doing what any good agent should — fighting for maximum value for his client.

Still, whispers in Premier League corridors suggest that certain club owners and technical directors “don’t want to deal with him again.”

The question is: Are they afraid of Calenda — or afraid of what Osimhen’s success could represent?

🔮 What Happens Next?

Chelsea remain the only Premier League club officially engaged in talks.
PSG and Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation, but Osimhen prefers England.
Napoli’s position remains aggressive, but insiders suggest De Laurentiis may buckle if Chelsea increase their offer to €115M with performance clauses.

👀 Final Word: A Defining Moment for Football

This isn’t just about Victor Osimhen. It’s about how European football continues to treat African excellence — with admiration on the pitch, but bureaucratic resistance off it.

Will Chelsea step up and make a statement?
Or will this saga expose a Premier League bias that fans have long suspected, but clubs refuse to admit?

Either way, Osimhen is at a career crossroads — and the whole world is watching.