Former Nigerian midfielder Mikel Obi has questioned Chelsea’s decision to sign Liam Delap instead of Victor Osimhen.

Despite being long-time admirers of the Nigerian goal poacher, the Blues opted to sign Delap from Ipswich Town in a deal worth £30 million.

Delap, who netted 12 goals in the Premier League for the relegated club, is set to lead the Blues’ attack ahead of the maiden FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Speaking to The London Standard, Mikel Obi, who spent eleven seasons at Stamford Bridge, criticized the club’s decision not to invest in a more proven attacker like Victor Osimhen instead of Delap.

"I just hope that it’s going to be the right decision," Mikel remarked.

"I like Liam Delap. He’s a good young striker who works his socks off. But is he a proven goalscorer in the Premier League? Can he do it at a big club like Chelsea? That’s the question. It’s about how the manager works with him and develops him."

"With Victor Osimhen, if you want the finished article—someone who can come in straight away, get you goals, win you trophies, and put you in the top four—you have to pay the big bucks. That’s what the big clubs do," he said.

WDN