Yan Nigeria
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has sparked fresh speculation about a potential move to Old Trafford for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, 26, reportedly rejected a lucrative €50 million-per-year offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
The Nigerian striker, who lit up the Turkish Super Lig last season with 37 goals and seven assists during a stunning loan spell at Galatasaray, is at the centre of a heated transfer tug-of-war among Europe’s top clubs.
The Super Eagles star’s latest snub of the Middle East has fuelled talks that he may be holding out for a dream move to Manchester United.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “No.9, they already know who I want. The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen! It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United. I don’t know if Manchester United are going to come. That’s the problem.”
United have been actively pursuing reinforcements in the attacking department this summer, with Matheus Cunha already signed and talks ongoing for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
However, questions remain over the potency of their current striker options. Rasmus Højlund endured an inconsistent debut season, while Joshua Zirkzee is viewed more as a creative forward than a classic No.9.
Osimhen’s prolific form in Turkey, including an acrobatic goal against Antalyaspor voted the league’s Goal of the Season, helped Galatasaray clinch a historic domestic double. The Turkish champions are keen on securing his services permanently, but face stiff competition.
Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly in advanced talks with Napoli, exploring a potential blockbuster swap deal involving Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa.
Meanwhile, Juventus, now under the direction of sporting chief Damien Comolli, are also in the hunt, though they must first sell Dusan Vlahovic to free up funds for Osimhen’s €75 million release clause.
As the Osimhen saga unfolds, another Nigerian star, Ademola Lookman, is also drawing intense transfer attention.
Juventus have launched an ambitious bid to land the 26-year-old Atalanta forward, tabling a player-plus-cash offer involving Argentine winger Nico González and €20 million. Atalanta, however, remain firm on their €60 million valuation.
Reports from Calcio Atalanta suggest Juventus believe Lookman is tailor-made for manager Igor Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 system, with his blend of pace, flair, and versatility.
“After the Koopmeiners affair, they are sure they can also close for Lookman,” the outlet reported. “The Juventus leadership wants to give the fantasist to Igor Tudor… he could play more roles and bring many goals and assists to Juve.”
Napoli have also expressed interest in Lookman, offering a similar part-exchange package, while Premier League sides and Barcelona have kept tabs, although the Catalan club appears to have cooled interest following progress in talks for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
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