Former Manchester United defender and club legend Rio Ferdinand has voiced his frustration over the possibility of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen joining Turkish giants Galatasaray instead of heading to Old Trafford this summer. The English football pundit believes that Manchester United are in desperate need of a proven striker and warned that allowing a player of Osimhen’s calibre to go to Turkey would be a huge missed opportunity.
Speaking in a live discussion with Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios on talkSPORT, Ferdinand didn’t hold back in his assessment of United’s transfer inactivity, especially after the club reportedly missed out on Viktor Gyokeres, who is now close to sealing a big-money move to Arsenal.
“I will be disappointed if Osimhen goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a number 9,” Ferdinand said. “Galatasaray have reportedly put £50 million down to sign him — that’s absolute peanuts in today’s transfer market for a striker of his quality.”
Victor Osimhen, who has been one of the most sought-after forwards in European football over the past two seasons, is still under contract with Napoli. The 25-year-old Nigerian striker scored 17 goals in Serie A last season and played a crucial role in helping the Italian side win the Scudetto in the 2022–23 campaign — their first in over three decades. His lethal finishing, pace, aerial strength, and big-game mentality have seen him linked with several top European clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and Real Madrid.
However, the latest twist in the transfer market has seen Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray reportedly submit a £50 million bid to lure the Nigerian international to Istanbul — a figure that Ferdinand believes is a major bargain in the current inflated transfer market.
“Osimhen knows how to score goals at the top level,” Ferdinand added. “We’ve all seen it — in Italy, in the Champions League, and for Nigeria. He’s ready for the Premier League. If we miss out again like we did with Gyokeres, I’ll be very disappointed.”
Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles with Manchester United, believes the club cannot afford to sit idly while other teams move decisively in the market. With Rasmus Højlund still developing and Anthony Martial likely to leave this summer, Ferdinand insists that Osimhen would be the ideal signing to restore Manchester United’s attacking prowess.
“But if Man United got Osimhen, then I wouldn’t be too concerned,” he added, suggesting that a signing of that magnitude could potentially transform United’s fortunes ahead of the new season.
Manchester United’s recent lack of a consistent goal-scoring striker has been a major issue under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils struggled to score regularly in the 2024–25 season and finished outside the top four. With a new ownership structure now in place following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS taking over football operations, fans and pundits alike expect a more aggressive and strategic transfer window.
Osimhen’s agent and Napoli have yet to officially confirm the offer from Galatasaray, but reports from Italy and Turkey indicate that discussions are ongoing. The striker has long hinted at a possible move away from Naples this summer, especially after the club failed to secure UEFA Champions League qualification. While he still has two years left on his contract, Napoli are reportedly open to selling him — but only for the right price.
The idea of a player of Osimhen’s profile heading to the Turkish Super Lig instead of one of Europe’s elite clubs has raised eyebrows. Many observers agree with Ferdinand that the move would seem like a step down in terms of competitive level, especially given that the striker is in the prime of his career.
Galatasaray, on their part, are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, especially as they prepare for Champions League qualification rounds. The Turkish champions are reportedly ready to make Osimhen their marquee signing of the summer and are believed to have tabled an ambitious offer to convince both the player and his club.
Still, the final decision remains with Napoli and Osimhen himself. Should he opt for Galatasaray, it would be a surprising turn in a summer that was expected to see him join a Premier League or La Liga heavyweight.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are reportedly monitoring the situation but have yet to make a formal bid. The club’s hesitation could again cost them a chance at signing a world-class striker — a theme that has repeated itself too often in recent windows.
Ferdinand’s comments have only intensified the pressure on United’s recruitment team to act swiftly and decisively before the window closes. The former defender’s views also echo the frustrations of many Red Devils fans, who believe the club must be more ambitious in the transfer market if it wants to return to the top of English and European football.
“£50 million in today’s market is not a risk, it’s an opportunity,” Ferdinand concluded. “Victor Osimhen is a striker who could lead Manchester United’s line for the next five years. He’s got the hunger, the pedigree, and the physicality to thrive in the Premier League. If Galatasaray get him for that price, it’s not just disappointing — it’s embarrassing for a club of United’s stature.”
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on whether Manchester United finally step up and make a move for the Nigerian forward or watch another elite striker slip through their fingers.
Africa Live News will continue to follow this developing story and bring you exclusive updates on Osimhen’s future, Manchester United’s transfer activity, and all the big moves shaping the 2025 summer window.
