Man Utd and Liverpool at Risk of Being Gazumped as Chelsea ‘Ready to Hijack Offer’

By Mirror Sport Reporter | Published January 20, 2026

Chelsea are poised to disrupt the January transfer window for Manchester United and Liverpool, with reports suggesting the Blues are ready to hijack a major offer for a highly sought-after target. The player in question is Victor Osimhen, the Napoli striker whose €120m release clause has attracted interest from both Old Trafford and Anfield.

United, desperate to bolster their attack amid Rasmus Hojlund's injury concerns, had reportedly advanced in talks with Napoli, offering £80m plus add-ons. Liverpool, meanwhile, see Osimhen as the perfect long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires in 2026. Sources close to the deal indicate the Reds were preparing a rival bid of £90m.

However, Chelsea's intervention could derail both moves. Under Enzo Maresca, the west Londoners have adopted an aggressive recruitment strategy, already splashing £250m this season on the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto. Club insiders claim Chelsea have held "advanced discussions" with Osimhen's representatives and are willing to meet the full release clause upfront, potentially including a £15m signing bonus to sway the 27-year-old Nigerian international.

"Chelsea see Osimhen as the missing piece for their title challenge," said a source. "They're not messing around this window." Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed the clause stands, but insists no deal is done until paperwork is signed.

The saga intensifies United and Liverpool's rivalry off the pitch. United boss Ruben Amorim has publicly urged patience from fans, while Liverpool's Arne Slot remains tight-lipped. With the window closing on February 3, expect frantic negotiations in the coming days.

Fans react on social media: United supporters decry Chelsea's "moneybags" tactics, while Liverpool faithful urge FSG to match any bid. Could this be the transfer coup of the season?

(Word count: 298)