Manchester United have been told that Victor Osimhen must be waiting for their call this summer after he rejected a move to Al-Hilal.
Manchester United have made a promising start to the summer transfer window, securing the early signing of Matheus Cunha and actively pursuing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
While both additions could add real quality to United’s attacking midfield and No.10 roles, the pressing need for a natural centre-forward remains unresolved.
Rasmus Højlund struggled to consistently make an impact last season, and although Joshua Zirkzee is a gifted player, he often thrives in a deeper, more supportive role.
A number of strikers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but among the fanbase, the leading favourites appear to be Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen scored 37 goals in 41 appearances for Galatasaray last season on loan and Napoli want to permanently sell him this summer.
Ferdinand says Osimhen is waiting for United
It seemed inevitable that Osimhen would be moving to Saudi Arabia this summer, especially after receiving a mouth-watering offer from the Middle East.
Despite this, the Nigerian striker surprisingly rejected the proposal from Al-Hilal and while the Saudi club are expected to come back in for him, Osimhen wants to stay in Europe.
Rio Ferdinand has suggested that the 26-year-old is waiting for a call from those at Old Trafford, but is unsure whether they will actually make a move for the player.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the United legend said: “No.9, they already know who I want. The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen!”
“It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United. I don’t know if Manchester United are going to come. That’s the problem.”
United waiting for Osimhen to change demands
United probably aren’t going to re-enter the race for Osimhen until they get an indication that he is willing to adjust his demands.
The problem isn’t just that he wants large wages – reportedly around £400,000-a-week – but that he is unwilling for his pay to be incentive-based like most players.
United are not in a financially strong enough position to be guaranteeing someone a wage and not being able to lower that if they do not qualify for European competition.
The likes of Casemiro, Raphaël Varane and even Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to contracts with these kind of bonuses involved so it seems strange that Osimhen would not eventually change those demands.
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