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Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has opened up about his relationship with Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen. He also spoke about the only issue he has with the Napoli loanee, who recently joined Galatasaray.
Mourinho, now at Fenerbahce, has crossed paths with Osimhen, who was vehemently courted by Chelsea during the summer transfer window before in Serie A. At the time, the forward was hammering home goals for Napoli, and the Portuguese tactician was in charge of AS Roma.
In an interview with HT Spor (via Goal.com), Mourinho praised the Nigerian's talent but highlighted one aspect of his game that he finds frustrating.
“He’s an incredible talent. Galatasaray have secured a fantastic player,” Mourinho remarked, before criticizing a particular element of Osimhen’s playing style.
"I’ve never had an issue with him personally, but there’s one thing about him that irritates me when he’s on the opposing team. During one of our Roma-Napoli encounters, I took the time to speak with him. I told him, ‘You and Salah are currently the best African players, following in the footsteps of legends like Drogba, Eto’o, and Weah. But you cannot continue to play the way you do.’ He tends to go down too easily, and that’s where my problem lies.”
Osimhen's move to Galatasaray has caused quite a stir, especially given that his proposed moves to Chelsea and Al-Ahli fell through late in the transfer window. However, his stay in Turkey could be short-lived. Reports suggest his loan deal includes a release clause that could see top European clubs swoop for him in January.
The Nigerian striker is expected to make his debut for Galatasaray on September 14 against Rizespor. A week later, Osimhen could face Mourinho's Fenerbahce in what promises to be a high-profile Turkish Super Lig clash.
Chelsea forward hailed as 'Baby Drogba' set for loan move to AEK Athens - Reports
David Datro Fofana is set to leave the west London club on loan, heading to Greek side AEK Athens, according to Football.London. The 21-year-old striker arrived at Stamford Bridge from Molde in January 2023 for just over £9 million. He was once hailed as the heir to Didier Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea but has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations.
Fofana's time at Chelsea has been anything but smooth. Despite being compared to the club’s legendary Ivorian forward, the young talent has made just four appearances. He went out on loan twice last season, first to Bundesliga side Union Berlin, where he netted twice in an unsettled period, and then to Burnley. He scored four goals for the Clarets in 15 games.
Fofana has fallen out of favor with new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans and has been training away from the first team at Cobham. Now, the striker is on the verge of securing a loan move to AEK Athens with an option to buy for £20 million next summer.
Chelsea are hoping the move will reignite Fofana’s career and that Athens will exercise their option to buy, allowing the Blues to cash in on the youngster. The youngster was once dubbed as the "baby Drogba" after an impressive spell at Norwegian side Molde. He scored 24 goals and registered 10 assists in 65 games for them.
