Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticised the club’s decision to overlook Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in favour of a less proven option ahead of their Club World Cup campaign, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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.

“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.

“For me, the Club World Cup is another trophy to be won,” Mikel said.

“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.”

Mikel has consistently championed Osimhen’s suitability for Chelsea, and he did not hold back in reiterating his stance, suggesting the club may have missed a golden opportunity.

“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.

While Osimhen’s hefty wage demands have reportedly cooled interest from several elite clubs, Mikel insisted Chelsea’s DNA demands immediate success and that the Napoli striker fits that bill perfectly.