Ferdinand asks Manchester United to sign ‘world class’ superstar ‘available for pennies’ when clause is met

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged that INEOS launch a transfer intervention to bring Victor Osimhen to Old Trafford, following the Nigerian striker’s decision to move elsewhere and a major update from Italy on the striker’s likely next club.

Rio Ferdinand fears for Alejandro Garnacho’s Man Utd future

Despite Osimhen’s great goal-scoring form over multiple seasons, there appears to be a surprising lack of serious interest in moving the player to the Premier League, despite the fact that Napoli have stated that they will not stand in the way of his sale this summer. And, with the striker’s price set at €75 million (£64.6 million, $88 million), suitors know exactly what it would take to recruit the striker with 151 career goals.

Manchester United’s need to improve up front is clear. Last season, Ruben Amorim’s squad scored 44 goals in 38 Premier League games, more than only four other teams and 42 fewer than Liverpool, the league’s best.

While Ruben Amorim and co. have focused on bolstering their assault, their current priority is to finally complete a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, with a third proposal due to be submitted to Brentford, which they hope will do the trick.

However, they also want a new No.9 to lead the Portuguese’s 3-4-2-1 formation, and Ferdinand believes there are few better possibilities than Osimhen.

In an appearance on talkSPORT, Ferdinand has implored his former team to intercede and thwart Galatasaray’s attempts to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent deal.

“I am like a broken record. If anyone listens to my show, I’ve been saying Osimhen for a while,” Ferdinand explained.

“He’s a centre-forward with experience and the ability to score at the highest level. I saw today that Galatasaray has made a £50 million bid.

“In today’s market, £50 million for a top-class striker, one of the best attackers in the world, is a bargain. I’ll be upset if he moves to Galatasaray for that kind of money while Manchester United are desperate for a No. 9.”

“I’ll be disappointed to lose Gyokeres if we don’t get a No.9 in. But if we get Osimhen, I won’t be too concerned,” he said.

Ferdinand’s protestations may be too late, as an update from Italy suggests a permanent move to Galatasaray was closer than ever after his departure clause was reached, and Fabrizio Romano reveals why a move to Old Trafford was never on the cards….

Romano on why Osimhen’s move to Manchester United was ‘never realistic’

According to Italian transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Turkish club has now indicated their willingness to match Napoli’s €75 million valuation for Osimhen.

And, in a post on his X account, he stated that they have offered him a contract of €16 million net over four years, or approximately £66,000 per week after tax.

According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, there is still a lot of negotiating to be done before an agreement can be achieved, with Napoli requiring one immediate payment to clinch the contract, but Gala’s proposal is for’multiple term payments’.

Aouna also reports that Al-Hilal is ready to hijack the deal, having told Napoli that they are willing to spend whatever it takes to bring the Nigerian star to the Saudi Pro-League.

Wherever he ends up, and it appears Galatasaray are now strong favourites following reports that Osimhen has chosen to transfer there after enjoying his season on loan in Istanbul, Fabrizio Romano has opened up to explain why a move to Old Trafford was never a viable option.

Romano took to YouTube to explain the scenario and why Manchester United did not swoop: “I always told you that in the summer transfer window, Man Utd’s deal was not developing for one reason.

“Despite the wishes of Manchester United and other English teams, Victor Osimhen refused to lower his salary proposal. For Osimhen, this was never the case.

“Osimhen has always been quite satisfied with Galatasaray. Galatasaray and Osimhen have reached an agreement on a contract that will last until 2028, with an option for 2029.

“Galatasaray is talking with Napoli. €50 million extra €5 million was denied. €60 million was refused. Napoli wants €75 million for the release clause, claiming that Al Hilal is willing to pay for the player.

“However, the player is now signed with Galatasaray and not with Al Hilal. This is why Napoli are demanding a bigger cost, but Galatasaray are considered the favourites to sign Osimhen, with talks ongoing.

Manchester United transfer news: Three free agents offered; young Argentine tracked
In terms of a new striker, United have been offered the opportunity to sign three Premier League-proven strikers with 290 goals between them, all for free, while United’s overall objectives for the striker position have been stated.

Meanwhile, United aims to invest in exciting new talent this summer, including an offer for one of Argentina’s most promising midfielders, according to sources.

Meanwhile, director of football Jason Wilcox is said to be in talks with the entourage of a £52 million-rated Brazilian midfielder, however they will face competition from two Italian giants for the transfer.

Victor Osimhen’s impressive goal record over the years.