Sources indicate that Victor Osimhen turned down an opportunity to join Manchester United in a previous stage of his career due to uncertainties about the playing role available to him at Old Trafford.
Osimhen, who joined Lille in the summer of 2019, rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s promising young forwards, registering 18 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. Just a year later, he secured a move to Napoli for a fee exceeding €70m.
While Napoli was successful in acquiring Osimhen in 2020, Manchester United, under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, had expressed interest in the Nigerian international as they were in search of a new striker.
Contacts were initiated with Osimhen, and it is revealed that he was intrigued by the prospect of joining United. Seeking advice, he consulted Nigeria teammate Odion Ighalo, who, having joined the Red Devils in January 2020 on a 12-month loan, cautioned Osimhen about potential challenges in securing substantial first-team minutes at United. Ighalo suggested that Osimhen’s career might flourish better away from Old Trafford, a perspective that Osimhen ultimately accepted by choosing Napoli.
United later signed Edinson Cavani in the summer of 2020, and Ighalo stayed at the club until his loan expired midway through the 2020/21 season.
In the subsequent years, Osimhen has further solidified his status as a top striker. Although speculation of a January transfer was quelled by his recent contract extension with Napoli until 2026, valued at over £100m, Chelsea remains a long-standing admirer of the 25-year-old. However, Osimhen’s immediate focus is on the Africa Cup of Nations and Napoli’s Champions League campaign.
Chelsea’s interest extends to Brentford’s Ivan Toney, but the 27-year-old’s perceived high cost may deter immediate pursuit. Cheaper alternatives, such as Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez and Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, who rejected a move to Chelsea in the summer, could be considered. Chelsea may explore younger prospects for now, reserving a move for an ‘elite’ name until the summer.