The future of prolific Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen remains a hot topic in the transfer market, with Galatasaray intensifying their efforts to secure his permanent signature. However, a significant revelation from Osimhen’s past regarding a prior rejection of Manchester United adds a fascinating layer to his potential next move.
Galatasaray Makes Aggressive Push After Loan Success
Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli, enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 season with Galatasaray, demonstrating why he’s one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. His incredible 37 goals in just 41 appearances across all competitions were pivotal in Galatasaray’s domestic double. This outstanding performance has cemented the Turkish club’s desire to make his move permanent.
Galatasaray vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu recently underlined their commitment, stating, “Osimhen must decide as soon as possible. He always asks us for time, we respect that, he has a family too, but time runs out. We have made a much higher offer than other European clubs and at the moment we are not negotiating other strikers. We are not thinking about plan B, we want Osimhen.” (Quoted by Manchester Evening News and Goal.com).
The Lingering Manchester United Question: A Story of Respect
While Manchester United are once again linked with Osimhen as they seek a proven goalscorer for the upcoming season, an interesting reason reportedly led him to decline a move to Old Trafford in 2020. At that time, United had Osimhen’s compatriot, Odion Ighalo, on their books.
Osimhen’s brother, Andrew, shed light on the situation, explaining, “It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor, but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague. My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn’t see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.” (As reported by Complete Sports and widely cited by outlets like The Mirror). This deep respect, even for a player whose United spell was relatively modest, highlights Osimhen’s character. The two Nigerian internationals were even seen celebrating Ighalo’s birthday recently, underscoring their continued bond.
Napoli Open to Sale as European Giants Eye Move
Napoli, Osimhen’s parent club, appears willing to offload him, especially after reports of a strained relationship with head coach Antonio Conte. Napoli director Giovanni Manna indicated earlier this year that the Serie A champions want Osimhen’s future resolved quickly.
Osimhen’s impressive track record, boasting 85 goals across all competitions since the beginning of the 2022-23 season (combining his performances for Napoli and Galatasaray), makes him a desirable target. He has already demonstrated his commitment to staying in Europe by rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal ([Source: Score Nigeria, Manchester Evening News]). Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has also publicly endorsed a move for Osimhen, favoring him over other rumored targets like Viktor Gyokeres. “I think if I’m looking at the market now and I had to pick him or Osimhen, I’d probably pick Osimhen because of that experience. And he’s shown he’s done it in multiple leagues now. And he’s done it internationally as well,” Ferdinand stated (Quoted by beIN SPORTS ).
As the summer transfer window continues, the football world awaits Osimhen’s pivotal decision. Will Galatasaray’s passionate pursuit prevail, or will a new suitor, perhaps even a re-evaluated Manchester United, enter the fray for the highly-rated striker? Only time will tell.
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