Man United Warned Over “Peanuts” £50m Victor Osimhen Deal as Rio Ferdinand Urges Club to Act

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has issued a stern warning to the club amid reports that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen could be available for as little as £50 million ($68m).

Ferdinand, who has been vocal about United’s need for a world-class striker, called the potential transfer fee for Osimhen “absolute peanuts” in today’s inflated market and urged the Red Devils to act fast before Galatasaray or other clubs beat them to it.

What’s Happening?

Napoli are reportedly open to selling Osimhen this summer as the Nigerian forward enters the final year of his contract. With his release clause believed to be €75 million (£65m/$88m), recent reports suggest Galatasaray have submitted a £50m bid a fee Ferdinand believes Manchester United should have no hesitation in matching.

“£50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market,” Ferdinand told talkSPORT.

“I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No.9.”

The Bigger Picture

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, with a new striker high on the agenda for manager Ruben Amorim. The club has also been linked with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, a player Amorim knows well.

However, Ferdinand believes Victor Osimhen, who scored 37 goals during a loan spell in Turkey last season, remains the top option.

“I’ve said Osimhen for a while now,” Ferdinand reiterated. “He’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level.”
“If we got Osimhen, then I wouldn’t be too concerned about Gyokeres.”

Did You Know?

• Osimhen scored 17 goals for Napoli in all competitions last season despite injury setbacks.
• He was the Serie A top scorer in 2022/23.
• At 26, Osimhen is entering his peak years and has attracted interest from Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs.

What’s Next?

Napoli are reportedly ready to sell Osimhen for less than his release clause, opening the door for potential suitors. Manchester United’s interest is real, but so is the competition. Galatasaray already have a bid on the table, and if United hesitate, they risk missing out on one of Europe’s most lethal strikers.

With a desperate need for a clinical No.9 and the Premier League season fast approaching, will United finally pull the trigger?