Victor Osimhen, the prolific striker currently with Galatasaray, shared a lighthearted moment with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand overnight following Galatasaray’s Turkish Cup victory. Osimhen netted two second-half goals on Wednesday, spearheading the Istanbul club’s 3-0 win against Trabzonspor, securing their 19th Turkish Cup title.
The resounding victory ignited jubilant celebrations among Galatasaray supporters, and surprisingly, even former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand joined in the revelry from afar. While getting a haircut during the final match, Ferdinand was captured on camera as the broadcast showed Osimhen on screen. The lens then panned to Ferdinand in the barber’s chair, enthusiastically chanting the Nigerian forward’s name.
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Osimhen acknowledged Ferdinand’s unexpected support by sharing the clip on his Instagram, adding two laughing emojis alongside yellow and red heart emojis, representing Galatasaray’s colours.
This interaction occurs against the backdrop of Manchester United’s reported interest in bolstering their attacking options for the upcoming season. While MEN Sport understands that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is a primary target to lead the line, Ferdinand has consistently advocated for the acquisition of Osimhen, despite the Nigerian likely commanding a transfer fee at least double that of Delap’s potential release clause.
“Forget Delap’s ability, potential, whatever you want to say about him,” Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel. “His quality as a player, it’s not about that right now for Man United. I think they need experience in there. Someone who knows how to score and someone that these younger guys can learn off. Rasmus Hojlund needs help. He doesn’t need a competitor. You need someone who can come in who he can go: ‘Listen take the pressure off me. You’re going to be the main guy. I’m going to learn a little bit in the background and take my chances when they come.'”
However, Ferdinand’s hopes of seeing Osimhen don the red of Manchester United next season may have been dealt a blow by recent reports. Football Transfers claimed this week that Chelsea are planning crucial discussions with the forward regarding a potential summer move. The primary obstacle for Chelsea is reportedly Osimhen’s wage demands, said to be around £10 million per year, a figure the Blues currently deem unattainable. Nevertheless, the report suggests that if Osimhen were willing to negotiate his salary expectations, a deal with Chelsea could be within reach.
As Osimhen celebrates his Turkish Cup triumph and Ferdinand playfully joins in the festivities, the debate surrounding Manchester United’s striker targets continues, with the Nigerian’s future remaining a key point of speculation.
