Rio Ferdinand has made a bold claim about the future of prolific striker Victor Osimhen, insisting the Nigerian superstar would "100 per cent" join Manchester United if the Premier League giants came calling.
The Premier League's Missed Opportunity?
The former United and England defender made the declaration during a discussion on his show, Rio Presents, with ex-Sunderland and Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan. Gyan expressed his surprise that major English clubs failed to secure Osimhen's signature in the last transfer window, despite the player's incredible form in Turkey.
Osimhen, now 27, has been a long-term target for several top-flight English sides, including United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. A potential move to Stamford Bridge collapsed in 2024, after which the striker sealed a shock loan move to Galatasaray following a breakdown in relations with Napoli.
From Turkish Record to Transfer Speculation
His impact in Istanbul was immediate and spectacular. In his debut season, Osimhen scored an astonishing 47 goals in just 41 appearances. His form convinced Galatasaray to break the Turkish transfer record, making his move permanent for a fee of €75 million, equivalent to roughly £65 million.
"Victor Osimhen, he loves scoring goals, he plays with his heart, and gives everything. I'm surprised big clubs didn't go for him in this transfer window," Gyan stated during the conversation. He added, "But hopefully, I'm feeling Manchester United too, only if he wants to come because of their history and everything."
Ferdinand's response was unequivocal: "Osimhen will come to United, if United offer to take Osimhen, he would go, 100%."
Struggling Rivals and What Could Have Been
The assertion comes amid mixed fortunes for the strikers United, Arsenal, and Chelsea did sign last summer. United brought in Benjamin Sesko, while Arsenal secured Viktor Gyokeres. Chelsea opted for a double move, signing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap after allowing Nicolas Jackson to leave on loan.
Reports suggest these signings have faced challenges adapting to the Premier League. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes even stated last August that the club should have pursued Osimhen over Sesko.
The sentiment of a missed opportunity is echoed at Chelsea. Former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel, who was involved in talks with Osimhen in 2024, recently told Metro of his disappointment. "Everyone knows who I wanted to see come to the football club and who the fans wanted to see," Mikel said in June. He described it as a "shame" the deal didn't happen, noting Osimhen supported Chelsea as a boy, but acknowledged the club "decided to go in a different direction."
With Osimhen continuing to thrive in the Super Lig and Ferdinand's confident prediction, speculation over a future blockbuster move to Old Trafford is certain to persist.
