Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has revealed a conversation with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhenn about a potential move to Old Trafford, claiming the Galatasaray forward would consider joining the Premier League club if they approached him.
Ferdinand’s revelation was shared on social media by @Teefase Gtg, where he recounted his discussion with the Nigerian striker and urged United to make enquiries about his availability ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Ferdinand, he previously advised Osimhen to listen if Manchester United came calling, but the 27-year-old initially expressed his loyalty to Galatasaray, explaining that the Turkish champions had treated him well.
“I told him, ‘Victor, if Manchester United come calling, you have to listen.’ He said, ‘Rio, you know I respect Galatasaray. They’ve shown me love. I can’t start talking about leaving a club that’s treated me so well,’” Ferdinand recalled.
However, when he asked whether Osimhen would reject United if they made an offer, the Nigerian reportedly responded, “Rio, that’s a different question. I can’t as long as Gala approves.”
Ferdinand said he respected the striker’s response, describing it as the attitude of a professional who understands his responsibilities to his club and supporters.
The former England international believes Osimhen possesses the qualities Manchester United urgently need, particularly his aggressive movement, physical strength, ability to attack crosses and instinct in front of goal.
His recommendation comes amid Manchester United’s continuing struggles, with concerns over their performances, attacking consistency and direction under manager Michael Carrick.
The club have also faced internal questions about their tactical approach, following captain Bruno Fernandes’ recent criticism of the team’s pressing system and lack of intensity.
Fernandes reportedly questioned why United were not pressing opponents more aggressively, highlighting the need for greater bravery and commitment from the players.
The Portuguese midfielder’s comments have added to the scrutiny surrounding Carrick’s management and the club’s difficult campaign.
United’s attacking problems have also been compounded by Benjamin Sesko’s injury, which has raised questions about the club’s options up front and the need for additional firepower in January.
Ferdinand believes Osimhen would provide an immediate solution, particularly if he played alongside Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
He explained that the Nigerian’s ability to make runs behind defenders would give United’s midfielders a reliable target, adding that Fernandes would not have to wait for a forward to attack the penalty area.
“Look at Victor. His movement, aggression, the way he attacks crosses. He’s the kind of striker who makes defenders work even when he’s not scoring,” Ferdinand said.
He also dismissed suggestions that signing another striker would create problems when Sesko returns from injury, insisting that competition between two quality forwards should benefit a club of United’s stature.
According to him, United should not become afraid of having several top players competing for places, recalling that during his playing days at Old Trafford, the club regularly had match-winning players on the bench.
Osimhen’s potential move to England, however, has previously proved difficult despite interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Chelsea were among the clubs linked with the Nigerian during his final months at Napoli in 2024, while Manchester United also monitored his situation.
However, negotiations failed to produce an agreement, with Napoli’s transfer valuation and the striker’s financial demands contributing to the difficulties.
Another factor in Manchester United’s earlier decision was the Africa Cup of Nations.
Former United first-team coach Benni McCarthy disclosed in February 2026 that the possibility of losing Osimhen for international duty during the European season influenced the club’s recruitment decision.
McCarthy, who was involved in United’s striker recruitment under Erik ten Hag, said Osimhen had initially been high on their list but the prospect of spending a substantial transfer fee on a player who would regularly miss matches because of AFCON became a major consideration.
Osimhen’s situation at Napoli had also deteriorated following the arrival of manager Antonio Conte, who brought in Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Nigerian was subsequently excluded from Napoli’s plans and left out of the club’s Serie A squad.
Galatasaray eventually provided an escape route, initially signing him on loan in September 2024 after his proposed moves elsewhere failed to materialise.
The striker made an impressive impact in Turkey, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances across competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, helping Galatasaray win the league title.
His performances convinced the Istanbul club to complete a permanent transfer in July 2025, paying Napoli €75m for his services. He signed a four-year contract, with an annual guaranteed salary of €15m, alongside loyalty bonuses and image rights payments.
The financial commitment has made any potential departure complicated, as interested clubs would have to negotiate with Galatasaray and meet the striker’s substantial valuation and salary expectations.
Before joining the Turkish champions, Osimhen played for German side Wolfsburg, Belgian club Charleroi, French outfit Lille and Napoli.
He established himself as one of Europe’s leading strikers in Italy, scoring 26 league goals during Napoli’s historic 2022/23 Serie A title-winning campaign.
Despite acknowledging the financial challenges involved, Ferdinand insisted that Manchester United should not abandon the possibility of signing the Nigerian simply because of the transfer fee.
He maintained that the club needed to demonstrate greater ambition in the transfer market rather than continually pursuing cheaper alternatives while struggling to address its goalscoring problems.
Ferdinand, however, clarified that he was not claiming Osimhen had agreed to join United or that Galatasaray were prepared to sell him, but insisted that the Premier League club should establish what it would take to secure his signature.
