Victor Osimhen rejected a move to Manchester United in 2020 due to his “too much respect” for one of the team’s first-team players.
The 25-year-old forward, who set the record for the most expensive African player when he transferred from Lille to Napoli in the summer of 2020, has recently been linked with a move to United.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland, United officials have identified Osimhen as a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford and have reportedly already been in contact with the striker’s representatives. ..Continue Reading
The report adds: “Already in contact with his representative, Manchester United will have no trouble reaching an agreement on personal terms with the 25-year-old Nigerian.”
Osimhen may now have the opportunity to fulfill his dream of joining Manchester United, but he turned down a move to Old Trafford four years ago.
After netting 18 goals in 38 matches during the 2019/20 season, Osimhen attracted interest from numerous top European clubs, including United.
According to his brother Andrew, Osimhen declined the transfer due to the presence of his fellow Nigerian, Odion Ighalo, at United.
“It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor, but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague,” Andrew Osimhen told Complete Sports.
“My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn’t see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.”
Ighalo achieved his dream of joining Manchester United in January 2020 with a season-long loan from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua, and later extended his stay at United until January 2021.
In the meantime, Osimhen moved to Serie A club Napoli for a £74 million fee.
In April 2020, Osimhen did not dismiss the possibility of a future move to the Premier League, expressing his desire to “play for a big club in England one day.” The Nigerian forward also expressed gratitude to Ighalo for his career guidance.
“Of course, one day I’d like to play for a big club in England.” he told The Independent in 2020. “I’ve spoken to Odion [Ighalo] about it. He gave me very good advice, he’s a legend and a big brother. My goal is to play at one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
