This is the reason we could not sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli
Victor Osimhen’s rise as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers has been nothing short of spectacular. After joining Turkish champions Galatasaray on a season-long loan earlier this month, Osimhen has quickly begun to showcase his talent and goal-scoring prowess.
However, according to a report by Briefly News, Manchester United’s missed opportunity to secure the Nigerian forward in the summer of 2022 now leaves the club with a feeling of regret, especially considering the reasoning behind their decision, which now seems almost comical in hindsight.
Osimhen had long been on the radar of top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, before eventually making the switch to Galatasaray after his proposed moves to these clubs fell through for various reasons. The striker reportedly requested a break clause in January, allowing him to leave if a top club activates his new release clause of €75 million, which could make him a highly coveted target once again during the upcoming transfer window.
Despite Osimhen’s evident talent and success with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in securing their first Serie A title in 33 years and won the league’s Golden Boot with 26 goals in the 2022/23 season, Manchester United opted against signing him. According to sources, including ESPN, the Red Devils were hesitant about how Osimhen would adapt to the English Premier League. Their skepticism stemmed from watching Romelu Lukaku thrive in Serie A with Inter Milan only to struggle upon his return to Chelsea.
United’s decision to pass on Osimhen is particularly perplexing given that they subsequently spent £72 million on Rasmus Hojlund, who was largely unproven at the top level. Erik ten Hag’s concerns regarding Osimhen’s hold-up play, which he believed might not fit well into his possession-based style of football, further compounded the club’s decision to overlook the Nigerian striker.
Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has hit the ground running, impressing fans and pundits alike with his performances. His adaptability and goal-scoring ability have reignited interest from several clubs, including long-time admirers Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus, who are already circling for a potential move in January.
With Osimhen’s growing reputation and potential release clause set at a manageable €75 million, clubs across Europe are expected to keep a close eye on his performance during the remainder of the season. Should he continue on his current trajectory, he could soon find himself in a position to choose from a plethora of suitors.
As Victor Osimhen continues to shine on the Turkish stage, Manchester United’s decision to pass on his signing serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football transfers. The reluctance to embrace a player who has since become a key figure in Serie A highlights the risks associated with hesitance in the transfer market.
The Red Devils will now have to navigate their attacking options as they strive to return to the top of English football, all while watching Osimhen’s potential rise to stardom from a distance. With the January transfer window approaching, United’s management will undoubtedly reflect on their previous choices and the lessons learned from the Osimhen saga.
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has heaped praise on summer signing Manuel Ugarte, predicting the 23-year-old Uruguayan will make a lasting impression at Old Trafford, similar to that of Red Devils legend Paul Scholes, according to Sportskeeda.
Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, has already caught the eye with his tireless work ethic and impressive defensive skills. Hargreaves, who played for Manchester United from 2007 to 2011, believes Ugarte has the perfect blend of qualities to become a fan favorite.
“This kid will deliver because he is a player. He’s a one-man press, tackle machine. He turns the ball over as good as anyone in European football. The fans will love him,” Hargreaves exclaimed.
Hargreaves drew parallels between Ugarte’s playing style and that of Manchester United icons Bryan Robson, Paul Ince, and Michael Carrick, highlighting the Uruguayan’s ability to protect the defense and win the ball back.
Ugarte’s statistics from last season’s Ligue 1 campaign support Hargreaves’ assessment, with an impressive 4.6 tackles per game. This feat is reminiscent of N’Golo Kante’s numbers before joining the Premier League.
Despite Manchester United’s mixed start to the Premier League season, with two wins and two losses, Ugarte’s gradual integration into the team has been promising. Erik ten Hag has handed him two starts in the Europa League and EFL Cup, and he may soon make his Premier League debut.
Hargreaves’ endorsement and Ugarte’s impressive performances suggest the young midfielder is poised to make a significant
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