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Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has once again advised the club regarding their search for a striker as the summer transfer window approaches, indicating that they might lose out on Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.
Ferdinand cautioned the Red Devils against the miss as he values Osimhen's transfer as “insignificant.”
He has been advocating for Ruben Amorim to take decisive action in acquiring a reliable No.9, viewing the Nigeria international Osimhen as the perfect fit for Old Trafford.
Manchester United has shown interest in Osimhen as Napoli is reportedly open to his sale, but they are also considering other alternatives.
This situation has opened the door for competing clubs, with Galatasaray allegedly having made a formal offer for the player, who previously scored 37 goals during a successful loan in Turkey.
The Turkish club is said to have presented an opening bid of €60m, which Napoli rejected. Ferdinand, speaking to talkSPORT about resolving Manchester's striking issues, stated, “I feel like a broken record. Those who listen to my podcast know I've been saying Osimhen for some time. He’s an experienced centre-forward who knows how to score goals at the highest level."
He commented on Galatasaray's £50m bid, remarking, “To secure a top-class striker like him for £50m is a bargain in the current market. I would be disappointed if he ends up at Galatasaray for that amount, especially when Manchester United needs a No.9."
Another player on United's radar is Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting, who is familiar with Ruben Amorim from their time in Portugal. Ferdinand expressed that he would be upset if they missed out on Gyokeres but added, “However, if we sign Osimhen, I wouldn't be too worried.”
Napoli is reportedly willing to let Osimhen go for less than his €75m (£65m/$88m) release clause, with the 26-year-old also attracting interest from teams in the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Osimhen has declined substantial offers from Saudi club Al Hilal and is believed to have reached a three-year agreement with Galatasaray, though negotiations between the Turkish team and Napoli are currently stalled.
