Former England defender, Rio Ferdinand, has voiced his frustration at Manchester United’s lack of urgency in pursuing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is now edging closer to a move to Galatasaray.
Ferdinand, a long-time advocate for United to sign a proven striker, has frequently named Osimhen as the ideal candidate to bolster the Red Devils’ attack.
But with multiple sources indicating that the Super Eagles forward could be on his way back to Galatasaray, the former United captain has been left disappointed.
In a recent interview with talkSport, Ferdinand didn’t hide his dismay at United’s inaction, insisting Osimhen has all the tools to fix their attacking woes and should be a top priority for the club.
“I’m like a broken record, I think if anyone listens to my record, I’ve said Osimhen for a while now. He’s a centre forward, he’s experienced. He knows how to score goals at a top level,” Ferdinand said.
“I’ve said Osimhen for a while.”
“Galatasaray has put a £50m bid in. That’s peanuts in today’s market.”
“I see today, I think they are saying Galatasaray have put a bid in. £50m to get a top class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolutely peanuts in today’s market. So, I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a number nine,” Ferdinand added.
Despite Ferdinand’s call for United to make a move, chances of seeing Osimhen in a Man United shirt appear slim.
The Nigerian forward is reportedly eager to return to Galatasaray, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season, helping the Turkish giants to a domestic double.
However, a return to Istanbul is not yet guaranteed. Napoli have reportedly rejected Galatasaray’s £50m offer, maintaining they won’t sell for less than the £65m release clause in Osimhen’s contract.
This development could potentially reopen the door for Manchester United—if they decide to act.
But whether Osimhen would be willing to switch to Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Saudi club Al-Hilal continue to monitor the situation, despite Osimhen having already turned them down twice this summer.
