Can Victor Osimhen finally break Chelsea's No. 9 Curse?

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked to a summer move to Chelsea, but can the star forward end Chelsea's laborious search for a leading man?

The "Curse of Chelsea's No. 9" is a topic that marries the mystical elements of football culture with the hard realities of the sport. It's a narrative woven around the struggles of various high-profile strikers who have worn Chelsea FC's No. 9 jersey. 

This phenomenon has sparked debates and speculations among fans and analysts, leading to a closer examination of the players associated with this jersey and the challenges they faced.

Chelsea's No. 9 expectations

The psychological aspect of the No. 9 shirt at Chelsea is a significant factor. This jersey has been donned by some of the most illustrious strikers in football, creating a legacy that can be overwhelming. 

Players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Radamel Falcao, among others, have experienced this immense pressure. When they joined Chelsea and were assigned the No. 9, they weren't just receiving a jersey but inheriting a history fraught with expectations. This pressure could be a contributing factor to the subpar performances of many players who have worn this shirt.

Chelsea’s striking struggles

From a tactical standpoint, the role of a striker in a football team is crucial and heavily dependent on the team's overall playing style. Romelu Lukaku's challenges at Chelsea, for instance, might be attributed to a tactical mismatch with Thomas Tuchel's strategy. 

Players like Alvaro Morata and Fernando Torres, despite having moments of excellence, struggled to fully adapt to the team's tactical framework, further exemplifying the complexities of fitting into a new team.

Who will break Chelsea's No. 9 curse?

Breaking Chelsea's No. 9 curse requires not just a talented striker but also one who can withstand the immense pressure and expectations associated with the number. As of 2024, Chelsea is considering several potential candidates who could take up this challenging role.

One of the players in the discussion is Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord. He has an impressive track record with 20 goals in 22 games this season and could be a more cost-effective option, with a valuation between £35m-£60m. Gimenez's success in the Eredivisie and his potential adaptability to the Premier League make him an interesting prospect.

Chelsea is also considering Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, although both would likely command a high transfer fee in the region of £100m. Osimhen, who has not played in the Premier League, and Toney, returning from an eight-month betting ban, are both high-profile options but come with their own sets of risks.

Another name on the radar is Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. Gyokeres has an impressive record of 25 goal involvements in 20 games. However, his transfer would come with a significant price tag, as he has a €100 million release clause, and Sporting is not keen on letting him go for less.

Not every player who has worn the No. 9 shirt at Chelsea has succumbed to this so-called curse. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink stands out as a beacon of success, scoring 70 goals during his tenure at the club. His achievements illustrate that while there are challenges associated with the No. 9 shirt, it's not inherently jinxed. The right player, with the appropriate mindset and tactical compatibility, can indeed flourish in this role.

While these players offer potential solutions to Chelsea's No. 9 conundrum, it remains to be seen who will be the chosen one to try and break the infamous curse. The decision will likely depend on a combination of factors, including transfer fees, the player's adaptability to the Premier League, and their ability to handle the pressure of the No. 9 jersey at Chelsea.

Players Who Couldn't Break the Curse

Several players have donned the No. 9 jersey at Chelsea but failed to live up to the expectations:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: His performance at Chelsea was largely disappointing, failing to make a significant impact.

Radamel Falcao: After an unsuccessful stint at Manchester United, his time at Chelsea was equally unfruitful.

Romelu Lukaku: Despite high hopes for his return to Chelsea, Lukaku struggled to fit into Tuchel's tactical plans.

Alvaro Morata: While showing potential, Morata's inconsistency overshadowed his moments of brilliance.

Fernando Torres: is often labelled a disappointment, despite his crucial goals in Chelsea's European campaigns.

The Future of the No. 9 at Chelsea

The future of Chelsea's No. 9 shirt is a topic of great interest, especially considering the club's recent history with strikers. To break the "No. 9 curse," Chelsea is reportedly considering several high-profile strikers who could potentially fill this role effectively.

One of the key targets for Chelsea is Victor Osimhen, who has been impressing with his performances for Napoli. His ability to score goals and his overall play style make him a prime candidate for Chelsea's attacking lineup. Osimhen's skill set suggests he could adapt well to the Premier League's physicality and pace, potentially making him a successful No. 9 for Chelsea as per 90 minutes.

Another name on Chelsea's radar is Dusan Vlahovic, currently at Juventus. Vlahovic has a strong goal-scoring record in Serie A and could bring a much-needed attacking edge to Chelsea's frontline. His physical presence and clinical finishing could make him an excellent fit for the Premier League.

Ivan Toney, from Brentford, is also being considered. Toney's remarkable scoring ability in the Premier League and his overall playing style have drawn comparisons to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. His adaptability and proven track record in England make him a potentially exciting option for Chelsea.

RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins are also on Chelsea's list. Sesko's potential as a young talent and Watkins' experience in the Premier League could provide different types of solutions for Chelsea's attack.

Lastly, ambitious targets like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane have been mentioned, though these moves seem less likely due to various factors, including their current club commitments and the complexities involved in such high-profile transfers.

The narrative of the "curse" associated with Chelsea's No. 9 shirt is more complex than it appears. It's a blend of psychological pressure, tactical integration, and individual player performances. As Chelsea looks to the future, breaking this pattern will require a nuanced approach in selecting players who are not only technically skilled but also mentally and tactically adaptable​​​​.

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