Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticised the team for passing up Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in favour of a less experienced candidate ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.
Speaking to the London Standard, Mikel, who spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, expressed disappointment that Chelsea have opted to sign 22-year-old Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m rather than invest in an established goalscorer like Osimhen.
Chelsea will travel to the United States on Friday to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, buoyed by their recent UEFA Conference League triumph. However, Mikel believes that to truly compete for global honours, Chelsea must prioritise proven firepower.
“For me, the Club World Cup is another trophy to be won,” Mikel said.
“Of course, Chelsea compete to win. It’s £100m if you win it. That gives a massive advantage against other Premier League teams. Winning trophies is the culture of Chelsea Football Club. That’s what we do. That’s what we are.”
Despite acknowledging Delap’s effort and potential after his 12-goal return for a relegated Ipswich side last season, Mikel questioned whether he is ready for the demands of leading the line at a club of Chelsea’s stature.
“I just hope that it’s going to be the right decision,” Mikel remarked.
