John Obi Mikel has criticized Jadon Sancho’s performances at Chelsea, claiming that the winger deceived the club with a promising start after his loan move from Manchester United.
Chelsea secured Sancho on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for £25 million next summer, hoping that a return to London would rejuvenate the 24-year-old’s career.
Sancho had struggled at Old Trafford, especially after a public fallout with Erik ten Hag, and his performances had not lived up to the £73 million fee United paid Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
Initially, things seemed to be looking up when Sancho contributed four assists in his first three league appearances under Enzo Maresca.
However, his form quickly took a downturn, with just two goals and one assist in his last 16 league games. Mikel believes Sancho has reverted to the disappointing form he showed during his time at United.
“Jadon Sancho, he came here and he’s deceived us with a few good games,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast. “We thought, ‘Oh f*****g hell, now we’re getting the Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.’
But he’s gone again. I don’t know what’s happened to him he’s disappeared off the grid. He takes the ball, but doesn’t go past players anymore, he doesn’t create chances, and he doesn’t help the team as much as he should.”
Mikel also criticized Chelsea for failing to bring in adequate competition for Nicolas Jackson during the January transfer window. The striker’s recent injury has left Chelsea thin up front, and Mikel believes the club must address the issue in the summer.
One possible solution could be a move for long-time target Victor Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray.
Mikel believes the Nigerian striker would be a great addition to Chelsea, as Osimhen has often expressed his admiration for the club and its legendary striker Didier Drogba.
“Chelsea has always been his club,” Mikel said of Osimhen. “He has said it openly, he’s always wanted to play for the club, and his idol is Didier Drogba.
He loves the way Drogba played. He made it pretty clear that this is a club he wants to come to. Unfortunately, we didn’t get it done last summer, but I don’t think the door is shut completely.”
With Chelsea’s struggles in attack and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Sancho, a move for Osimhen could be a key part of the club’s plans for next season.