Why Victor Osimhen rejected Man Utd transfer
- Osimhen is a top target for Chelsea but will not leave Napoli in January
- Nigerian striker's release clause stands at over £100m
- Man Utd failed with a move for Osimhen earlier in his career
By Tom Gott, Ben Jacobs
Victor Osimhen rejected a move to Manchester United earlier in his career amid concerns over the role available to him at Old Trafford, sources have told 90min.
Osimhen joined French side Lille in the summer of 2019 and quickly established himself as one of Europe's top young forwards, scoring 18 goals in 38 games across all competitions before sealing a move to Napoli which was worth in excess of €70m just 12 months later.
Napoli were not the only side chasing Osimhen in 2020, however, as sources have confirmed to 90min that the Nigeria international was wanted by United who, under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, were on the hunt for a new striker.
Contact was made with Osimhen and it is understood that he was excited by the prospect of moving to United and sought out the opinion of Nigeria teammate Odion Ighalo, who joined the Red Devils in January 2020 on a 12-month loan deal.
Ighalo warned Osimhen he would likely struggle for first-team minutes at United and suggested the youngster's career would evolve better away from Old Trafford, and Osimhen ultimately accepted that opinion and joined Napoli.
United would land Edinson Cavani on a free transfer in the summer of 2020, with Ighalo remaining at the club until his loan expired midway through the 2020/21 campaign.
In the years that have followed, Osimhen has enhanced his reputation as an elite marksman and is once again on the radars of Europe's elite, although his recent contract extension with Napoli has put an end to speculation of a January transfer. Osimhen's new deal, which runs until 2026, includes a release clause worth in excess of £100m.
Chelsea are long-time admirers of Osimhen and may be patient with their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who is unlikely to make an immediate decision on his future. Sources insist Osimhen's current focus is on the Africa Cup of Nations and Napoli's Champions League journey.
The project on offer from potential suitors is important to Osimhen - as evidenced by his decision to reject United in the past.
Alongside Osimhen, Chelsea have interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney but believe the 27-year-old will be too expensive this month. Toney is not as high on Chelsea's list as Osimhen as it stands.
Cheaper targets, such as Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez and Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, the latter of whom turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer, could also be explored. It is not impossible Chelsea try for a young prospect now and save their move for an 'elite' name until summer.
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