Man Utd Warned Against ‘Peanuts’ Mistake with Victor Osimhen

Red Devils Legend Rio Ferdinand Urges Club to Act Fast or Risk Losing Out to Galatasaray

The transfer market waits for no one — and Manchester United have been warned. Again.

This time, it’s club legend Rio Ferdinand sounding the alarm. The former United captain has urged the club not to miss out on what he considers to be a cut-price opportunity to land one of the best strikers in the world: Victor Osimhen. For £50 million, a fee he boldly describes as “peanuts”, United could finally fill their long-vacant No.9 shirt with genuine quality.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Victor Osimhen Nigeria 2024

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian goal machine who lit up Serie A and helped Napoli end their three-decade title drought, is now seemingly on the market. With only one year left on his contract, Napoli are reluctantly preparing for a sale — and reports suggest they’re willing to accept offers below his €75m release clause.

Enter Manchester United. At least, that’s what most assumed.

Instead, the Premier League giants seem hesitant — either due to financial constraints or indecision — and in that gap, others are moving. According to Turkish sources, Galatasaray have already tabled a formal £50 million bid for Victor Osimhen. Yes, Galatasaray, not United.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: A MISSED OPPORTUNITY IN THE MAKING?

For Ferdinand, the situation is baffling. Speaking on talkSPORT, he didn’t mince words.

“I’m like a broken record,” he said. “If anyone listens to my podcast, I’ve said Victor Osimhen for a while now. He’s a centre-forward, he’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level.”

It’s hard to argue. Victor Osimhen has scored 65 goals in 107 appearances for Napoli, leading them to a Scudetto and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most feared forwards. His pace, aerial ability, and sheer physical presence would be a welcome addition to any side — especially one that has struggled to score consistently.

And that’s exactly why Rio is frustrated.

“£50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market,” he added. “I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No.9.”

It’s not just a criticism of United’s board — it’s a wake-up call.

OSIMHEN’S PRICE TAG: A STEAL IN TODAY’S MARKET?

Let’s put things into perspective. In recent years, we’ve seen:

• Rasmus Højlund — a talented but unproven youngster — join United for £72m

• Darwin Núñez — raw and erratic — arrive at Liverpool for £85m

• Kai Havertz, a player still figuring out his best position, move to Arsenal for £65m

And now, a player with Champions League pedigree, international experience, and a proven scoring record is available for £50 million?

No wonder Ferdinand is calling foul.

HESITATIONS AT OLD TRAFFORD: MONEY, STRATEGY, OR SOMETHING ELSE?

To be fair, United have their reasons. Financial Fair Play limitations and uncertainty around the Sir Jim Ratcliffe–INEOS-led sporting project have made this window more cautious than chaotic.

There’s also the lingering question of whether Victor Osimhen’s style perfectly suits new boss Ruben Amorim (should he indeed be the man in charge by the time the season starts). Amorim may prefer a more fluid front line — a system that could, hypothetically, favor other profiles.

But here’s the problem: United don’t have time to wait.

They’ve just come off one of their most turbulent seasons in recent memory, and if they’re serious about climbing back to the top four — or even just competing — they need a clinical, proven forward.

Right now, there is no one better available than Victor Osimhen.

FERDINAND ON GYOKERES: A PLAN B, BUT NOT PLAN A

Viktor Gyokeres has also been mentioned as a possible alternative. The Swedish international had a stellar season at Sporting CP, where he played under Ruben Amorim and scored 43 goals in all competitions.

Ferdinand, while clearly impressed by Gyokeres, still sees Victor Osimhen as the prize.

“I’ll be disappointed to miss out on Gyokeres if we don’t get a No.9 in,” he admitted. “But if we got Victor Osimhen, then I wouldn’t be too concerned.”

It’s a subtle point, but one that matters. Gyokeres is a rising talent. Victor Osimhen is already the finished product.

WHAT NEXT FOR OSIMHEN?

Viktor Gyokeres Sporting 2024-25

With Galatasaray reportedly putting their money where their mouth is, and Saudi Arabian clubs also circling, the race for Victor Osimhen is heating up fast. And unlike many past sagas, this one may not drag on all summer.

Napoli, eager to avoid losing him on a free next year, are ready to listen to offers — especially if they come soon.

The key question: Will United step up?

WHAT SHOULD UNITED DO?

Here’s the truth: £50 million for Victor Osimhen is a deal United would regret passing on. It’s reminiscent of missing out on Erling Haaland for under £20m when he left Salzburg — a mistake the club is still paying for.

United are in a transitional period, sure. But signing a world-class striker in his prime would be the clearest signal yet that they’re serious about rebuilding.

In Victor Osimhen, they’d get:

• A Premier League-ready physical presence

• Someone with Champions League experience

• A player hungry for more trophies

• A new face for the club’s attack

And, perhaps just as important, someone who can lift the mood inside Old Trafford.

FINAL WORD: FERDINAND’S CALL FOR ACTION

Ferdinand’s words weren’t just about Victor Osimhen — they were about the standard Manchester United should aspire to.

A club of this size, with this history, shouldn’t be outbid by Galatasaray. It shouldn’t be hesitating while others pounce. And it certainly shouldn’t be passing on elite players when they’re available at what many consider a bargain rate.

The ball is now in United’s court. The striker they’ve been craving is there for the taking. But the longer they wait, the louder the regrets may become.

And as Rio Ferdinand made painfully clear — £50m is peanuts.