Victor Osimhen’s name has dominated the early stages of the winter transfer window, with reports linking him to a potential move to Manchester United.
The Nigerian forward, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs following his impressive performances in Istanbul.
The Napoli loanee has recorded an impressive 18 goal contributions in just 17 appearances, according to data from FotMob—a staggering figure that has reportedly caught the attention of Manchester United’s decision-makers, who were keen to secure his services.
Despite the Premier League club’s eagerness to secure his services, Osimhen dealt a significant blow to their plans by turning down the transfer offer.
This decision also frustrated Napoli’s hierarchy, who had intended to finalise a permanent move for the forward during the winter window.
With the focus now shifting to Osimhen completing the season at Galatasaray and potentially making a big move in the summer, a Turkish football expert has shed light on why the former LOSC Lille star rejected Manchester United’s approach.
Speaking as captured by media outlet Habersarikirmizi, Turkish journalist, Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, stated that the Nigerian forward turned down a potential move to Manchester United due to the nature of the offer, which involved a loan deal.
“There was a transfer meeting that I witnessed. Manchester United wanted him, but he rejected them,” Sabuncuoğlu revealed.
Clarifying that the proposed deal included a loan with an obligatory purchase option, he added: “I don’t think he will go on a loan transfer.”
Sabuncuoğlu further explained that Osimhen is likely to remain with Galatasaray for the foreseeable future, noting: “If Galatasaray finds the money for Victor Osimhen, they will buy him. They are actively trying to secure the funds.”
Osimhen’s decision to reject Manchester United’s offer has sparked significant debate, with reports claiming Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, expressed frustration over the forward’s refusal to move to the Premier League.
Media outlet Persindeyiz Galatasaray subsequently detailed that Osimhen personally informed Napoli director, Giovanni Manna, in a message that he turned down United’s offer because he had already committed to spending the entire season with Galatasaray before evaluating his options.
Indeed, Osimhen has consistently expressed his determination to finish the current campaign in Istanbul, and Manchester United’s proposal, structured as it was, failed to sway his stance.
Source: www.legit.ng
