Africa Press-Nigeria:
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen rejected a move to Manchester United earlier this year because of fellow Nigerian Odion Ighalo’s presence at Old Trafford, according to a report.
Osimhen’s future was up for intense debate in his final days at Lille this summer, with several clubs keen on signing him.
United and Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham were reportedly among them. All three are allegedly keen to bolster their attacking ranks before the October 5 transfer deadline.
However, it was the Serie A side who eventually won the race, wrapping up the deal for around €60million (£54million).
Speaking to Complete Sports, Osimhen’s brother, Andrew, revealed the reasons for his sibling rejecting United.
“It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague,” he said.
“My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn’t see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.”
Ighalo’s first cap for Nigeria came in 2015, when he was playing in the Premier League for Watford.
