Samu Omorodion
After a promising start at FC Porto, Samu Omorodion has revealed the challenges he faced during a tumultuous summer that nearly saw him sign with Chelsea. Initially appearing destined for Stamford Bridge, the Spanish striker’s move fell through at the last minute. Despite progressing talks, Omorodion’s anticipated transfer to Chelsea, where Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart were exploring options to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking lineup, never materialized. Among the other potentials were Jhon Duran, Victor Osimhen, and Jonathan David. However, Omorodion ended up joining Porto under the guidance of former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas. Samu Omorodion shared his experience, explaining the personal and emotional impact the transfer complications had on him and his family. He attributes the failed move to factors beyond his control.
Samu Omorodion said: “I had a very difficult summer. We had a really bad time because in the end everyone knows that I was close to signing, but it’s true that if it didn’t happen, it was for a reason, because God didn’t want it. I’m also very grateful to Porto for giving me the opportunity when things looked at their worst, and I’m very happy with where I am now. It was a very difficult summer. When I was in Madrid I had a very bad time. In the end, thank God, everything turned out well. If the Chelsea match didn’t work out it was for a reason and in the end everything turned out well. There – at Atletico Madrid – I trained separately. I didn’t feel involved, not like a footballer. I trained and my head told me no. I had a bad time. I cried a lot at night. My family and my mother had a very bad time. In the end, thank God, everything came together quickly and I made the best decision. Nobody spoke to me and I didn’t speak to anyone. I was still an Atletico Madrid player, I had to go to training and do my job. I already knew the club’s position. These are things that happen in football and that make you gain experience and learn for the future. Yes. From the first minute I saw the interest they had in me. The president [Villas-Boas] came to Madrid to sign me and he told me that he wouldn’t leave without signing me. That’s what a player needs, to be shown confidence. I want to thank the president and the club for the bet they have placed on me.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea struggled to finalize a deal for a new No.9, instead deciding to add Joao Felix as a versatile forward. Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have been sharing playing time in various matches. While Omorodion has found success at Porto, scoring seven goals in seven games and even netting twice against Manchester United in the Europa League, the outcome seems serendipitous for all parties involved, with both Omorodion and Jhon Duran excelling at their new clubs.
